People's Choice Best Show
Best Technology--The Bubbler
Worst Prop--Cap'n Xena's CigarHonorable Mentions: Best Appearance by Amazons
Best Xena
Best Gabrielle

Xena: Warrior Princess, Gabrielle, Argo and all other characters who have appeared
in the syndicated series Xena: Warrior Princess, together with the names, titles
and back story are the sole copyright property of MCA/Universal and Renaissance
Pictures. No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fan
fiction. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole
property of the author. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any
way. Copies of this story may be made for private use only and must include
all disclaimers and copyright notices.

MizXenas Navy

by

The middle-aged woman with tinges of gray in her dark hair bustled across the
busy Amphipolis street, dodging cart and horse traffic. Her wide blue eyes were
full of the happiness that comes with a total contentment of your life and work.
To all who saw her she waved a cheery good afternoon and gave them Elis
Blessings and they responded in kind. Once across the street, she hurried up
to a small homey looking house with colorful flowers in window boxes and let
herself in with her key.

Once inside, she set aside her shawl on a coat rack and called, "Mama, Im
home " There was no answer and she called again. "Cally? Mama? Where are
you?" There was still no answer, but she was unworried. She passed through the
front of the tidy and cozy little dwelling, glancing as she went at the sword
and the katana intertwined with the chakram and crossed sais hanging above the
fireplace. Once in the kitchen, finding no one, she frowned faintly and looked
out of the small window into the back garden of the house.

There under a shady arbor near some rose bushes in the walled garden she saw
two figures. One was a small blond woman, the other a golden haired child of
perhaps fourteen summers. They sat with their backs to her, and she could hear
the woman speaking in a soft voice. Between them was a small table with a sweating
pitcher and two glasses containing tea. The woman in the window smiled tenderly
as she watched them for a moment, then the smile became a grin as a twinkle
came into her blue eyes.

Quietly, she let herself out of the door and approached the two from behind
in a crouch. She made no noise at all as she crossed the grass, for she had
once been very, very good at stalking prey quietly. There were many other skills
that she had once been very good at as well, but there was too much pain connected
to them and she preferred not to remember them nowadays. Noiseless as a ghost,
she advanced toward the small blond and the child. Then within about ten feet
from their unsuspecting backs, she hunkered down behind a small rosebush to
listen to what was being said.

It was the child who spoke. "Would you tell me a story, Gramma Brielle?"

"I guess I could, Cally-babe," the small blonds voice smiled. She did
not look as if she could possibly be a grandmother to this child, not by any
stretch of the imagination. Her skin was firm and rosy with health, her voice
was full and her long blond hair was untinged with any hint of silver. She wore
a thin top and through it could be seen the faint outlines of a large and colorful
dragon tattoo that wound sinuously down her back. "What would you like to hear
about? The time when your Gramma and I met Goliath the giant? Or when we went
to India? Or how about when we met Pandora?"

Cally said primly, "If you dont mind, Gramma, youve told those
before and I like them, but how about something new?"

"Hmmm. New, huh?" The small woman seemed to consider.

"Yeah." Cally sounded excited. "How about something I never heard before about
you an Gramma Zee? Something totally new!"

"Totally new, huh?" There was a mischievous tone in the older womans
voice. "Did I ever tell you how yer Gramma and I first met?"

"Well see," said the small blond taking a sip of her tea and smacking
her lips with appreciation. "Now you just sit back and listen, cause I
recollect that theres lotsa parts Ive never told you before; parts
that have never before been revealed to anyone till this very day because they
were Top Secret! Nowadays it probably doesnt matter any more, but back
then it was real barn burnin stuff!" She pulled back the long hair from
her neck as she warmed to her subject. "Now as I recall, it was way back during
the Trojan War. We were on this boat called a Poseidons Trident and "

Cally interrupted in shocked tones. "But Gramma, thats not how you met!
When you tell it in "Sins of the Past" you met in Poteidaia and the warlord
Draco "

"Hush, child. Whos the bard here, you or me? In case you dont know,
I always told that Poteidaia yarn with Draco to cover up the real story. I told
you this was Top Secret stuff, known only to a very few at the time! Now like
I say, the first time yer Gramma Xena and I ever met was when the Greeks and
the Trojans were at war "

"But Gramma "

Her grandmother sighed. "Cally, child. How can I tell a story when you keep
interrupting me?"

"I dont mean to, but, your stories always have a name, like Girls
Just Wanna Have Fun or something. So, whats the name of this story?"

"Oh," the blond said reflectively. "I guess yer right at that. Let me see "

As the bard meditated, the woman behind the rose bush settled noiselessly in
and made herself comfortable in the soft grass for the tale sounded as if it
could be interesting. As she lurked there, her startling blue eyes watched the
bard and the child intently and a small self-satisfied smile played about her
lips, for she was certain that the two were completely unaware of her presence.

That she herself might also be watched never entered her mind. But like a mere
housecat hunting a mouse while in turn being stalked by a great tiger, the skilled
hunter behind the bush had suddenly become the prey. For yet another pair of
hard eyes was hidden nearby and their owner was as intent upon the woman behind
the roses as she was upon the unsuspecting bard and child beneath the arbor.

Meanwhile, having thought for a moment, the blond bard grinned at her granddaughter
and spoke. "Here ya go! I call this one The Tale of MizXenas
Navy!"

Her voice shifted and became suddenly vibrant and compelling as she intoned,
"I sing the song of a time and a war long ago, of greedy kings and foolish men
and dark betrayal. I sing of Helen, the beautiful queen of the majestic city
of Troy; a city now lost to the ages! Helen of Troy, in whose name a thousand
ships of war were launched. Further, I sing the song of a tall, dark, Greek
Captain from Amphipolis, who was in command of a most unusual vessel "

++++++

The sea wind whipped captain Xenas raven black hair past her face as
PT-Evdomenda Tria surged through the tossing azure waves toward the small Trojan
supply ship that was attempting to flee. She shifted the cigar from one side
of her mouth to the other as she grinned in delight at the chase. Since the
besieging Greek armies had cut off Troy on land, to catch that ship could mean
depriving the enemy of needed supplies which could shorten the war between Greece
and Troy. That war had been going on for almost ten years now and showed no
signs of stopping. That ship also represented a sizable amount of dinars in
prize money for each member of the crew of the small Poseidons Trident
and this Patrol had been a long haul with no prizes taken so far. However the
PT-Boat didnt seem to be catching up to the small sailing vessel so far
and Xena frowned.

She yelled into the speaking tube to the Bubbler Room. "Give it all we got,
Chief BM! Theyre showin us their heels!"

"What in Tartarus are you talking about?" Xena was astounded. "We can make
more knots than this! We have plenty of times before!"

"Well, yeah, we have, but I cant bump the rocks up to full bubble for
another ten minutes!"

Worry made Xena chew her cigar. The Hercules Bubbler was the heart of the PT-Boats
top secret means of moving without sail or oars. If it stopped working, they
would be dead in the water. "Why ten minutes? Is something wrong with the Bubbler?"

She blinked with surprise as a different voice came over the speaking tube.
"Hey, Cap? My galley stove has broken down."

Xenas voice was baffled. "Chef Autolycus? What are you doin in
the Bubbler Room? You belong in the galley!" Her tone sharpened. "Never mind,
wheres Chief Joxer?"

"Oh, hes right here with Assistant Chief Theodorus." The cooks
suave voice came back. "But I thought Id better tell you about the Mousaka
before you made a hasty decision."

"The Mousaka?" Xena began to wonder if she was dreaming.

"Yes, I was baking an Eggplant Mousaka for tonights dinner when the stove
broke." His voice was confidant, charisma seeming to ooze through the speaking
tube with every word. She could imagine him stroking the small mustache he kept
so pristine. "Then I thought about how hot the top of the Bubbler gets. So I
put the pan of Mousaka I was cooking on top of it to finish, and that was just
perfect. But itll scorch if Chief Joxer turns up the speed any more!"

The volume of Xenas string of outraged curses caused heads to turn as
far away as the Trojan supply ship they were pursuing and the amazons of her
own deckside Ballista crews grinned at one another with delight. When she had
her breath back, she spoke grimly into the speaking tube. "Chef Auto, kindly
put Chief Bubblerman Joxer back on."

"Oh, sure thing, cap. Thanks tons for understanding!"

After a moment, Chief Bubblerman Joxers voice came through the speaking
tube. He sounded anything but happy. "Y-Yes, Maam?"

Her voice held a chill that seemed to freeze the air. "Chief BM, you will get
that speed up and get it up now or youll find that pan of hot Mousaka
so far up your pink butt that steam will come outa your hairy ears!"

"Y-Yes, Maam!" He blurted, forgetting to use the customary naval answer
of, "Aye, aye" to confirm her order.

"WHAT WAS THAT??" She roared.

"I mean, Aye, Aye, Maam!" He shouted desperately. A few moments later
the PT-Boat surged forward in the azure waves like it had been kicked by a gigantic
mule and left a frothing white trail of madly popping bubbles in their wake.
Xena grinned savagely through the increased spray coming over the bridge.

The fleeing ship suddenly seemed to leap closer as they bore down upon it and
she shouted through the speaking trumpet. "Ahoy, Chief Melosa! Chief Ephiny!"

The two Crew Chiefs looked at her for orders. The forward mount was crewed
by black haired Melosa, dark Marga and blond Velasca. The aft mount was crewed
by blond Ephiny, her dark haired lover Solari and the well-muscled Eponin. All
the women on both crews were amazons, and there was fierce competition between
both the crews who womanned the two giant crossbows that comprised the main
armament of PT-Evdomenda Tria.

"Chiefs, be ready to loose Greek Fire bolts on my command, but only
on my command! We want this prize intact if possible!"

"Aye, aye, Maam! We got em in our sights!"

The boat rocked savagely as it plowed into an unexpected wave and Xena snapped,
"Keep her steady for the Ballista crews, Mister Palaga! Bring us up on their
port side!"

"Sorry, Maam, but Palagas gone, remember?"

Shit! In the heat of the moment, shed forgotten. Xena turned to the dark
skinned amazon at the wheel.

"Sorry, seaman Dragonna. Just keep on their tail!"

"Im doing my best, Maam, but I wasnt trained for this." Dragonna
shouted unhappily as she wrestled the wheel through the swells. "Ill be
glad when I can get back to regular duty."

"Yer doin fine, sailor. Hopefully well get a replacement to take
over for you back at base. Meanwhile, keep up the good work!"

Xena grimaced. "Yeah, well, thats life. Some stay, some go. We gotta
deal with it as best we can."

"Aye, Maam."

They were drawing abreast of the small supply ship now and only 100 yards out.
Xena saw figures gesturing on the deck. She grabbed the speaking trumpet. "Trojan
ship! This is Poseidons Trident Evdomenda Tria of the Greek Navy! Heave
to! Haul your sail and spill your wind, or be fired upon!"

The small ship showed no sign of following her orders as it continued to flee
and she cursed softly. Then she called to the foreword Ballista. "Chief Melosa!
Give em a dry round into their deck. No fire, repeat, no Greek Fire!"

"Aye, aye!" came the answer. "Where do ya want it Capn?"

"Somewhere impressive. Try not to kill anybody if you can. If you can hit the
main mast Ill give you and yer crew each five dinars!"

"Aye, aye, Maam!" Melosa grinned, "Better get those dinars ready!" Her
crew went into action shouting with pleasure at the announcement, while groans
of envy came from Ephinys aft Ballista position. Crewwoman Velasca began
cranking back the heavy bowstring to full draw, while Melosa and Marga began
unloading the three yard long arrow tipped with a bottle of Greek Fire liquid.

Xena grinned to herself as she heard the bitching from the aft mount. A little
rivalry was good between the Ballista crews. It kept them sharp and trying hard
to succeed. Then she grimaced. In fact the rivalry was sometimes made a little
bitter by the fact that all eight amazons on board came from two different Greek
tribes who had broken up in a recent tribal war. Afterward, with no set tribes,
amazons from both sides had drifted into service with the Greeks in the War
against Troy. In general, the women got along all right, but a certain strain
was evident at all times. All Xena knew for certain, was that Melosa, Marga,
Velasca and Terreis came from one tribe. Ephiny, Solari, Eponin and Dragonna
were from another.

Oh well, as long as they did their jobs and didnt kill each other in
the process. Shrugging, the captain watched as the crew of Mount Number One
quickly removed and stowed the Fire Bolt that was already in the giant crossbow
and then reloaded another with just a sharp bronze tip. Then Chief Melosa manned
the firing position and aimed coolly at the supply ship, judging the rise and
fall of both ships in the waves as she waited for the right moment to loose.
Finally she did and with a twanging buzz, the large bolt flew straight and true
toward the Trojan ship, to stand quivering directly into the center of the main
mast about six feet off the deck!

Melosas crew pounded her on the back, shouting at the perfection of the
shot, while jeers and catcalls sounded from the crew of Ephinys Ballista,
who were disappointed that they had not yet had a chance to shoot. Melosas
crew shouted insults back as they quickly began reloading their Ballista with
a fresh bolt. This time with a Greek Fire tip again.

Meanwhile, men ran screaming and pointing on the supply ships deck as
Xena hailed through the speaking trumpet. "Trojan ship! This is your last warning!
Heave to, or the next bolt will be Greek Fire!"

For a moment Xena thought they would not stop, and steeled herself to give
the order that would bring death and fiery destruction to the other ship. But
then the Trojans sail suddenly flapped as she turned against the wind.
Then the crew began to haul it down. The small ship lost headway immediately
and the PT-Boat surged past the slowing craft.

Xena released a breath she hadnt known that shed been holding,
then called into the speaking tube as Dragonna began to turn the boat back toward
the captured vessel behind them. "All right, Chief BM, you can slow bubbles.
Just keep us moving at half speed."

"Aye, aye, Maam. Uh, chef Auto wants to know if he can put the Mousaka
back on now?"

"He can put it on or he can stuff it in your face, Chief BM. Tell him we just
got prize money!"

"YES, MAAM!" Joxer whooped.

She hung up the speaking tube and grinned at seaman Dragonna. Looks like its
gonna be a good day!

++++++++++++++++

PT-Evdomenda Tria lay at the secluded and hidden dock far away from the rest
of the Greek fleet, and of course, far from any fun facilities like taverns,
gambling houses or brothels as well. Xena shifted the cigar from one side of
her mouth to the other and sighed. The tall raven-haired commander grumbled
unhappily to herself. "We got our prize money, but what good is it if you cant
go spend it somewhere?"

Things had gone fine as the PT-Boat had escorted the captured Trojan supply
ship into the Lemnos harbor. The Trojan crew had been interned and the inspectors
had gone aboard and come back with the good news that the cargo was worth many
dinars. The crew of the PT-Boat had gotten a pat on the back from Admiral Cecrops
along with their share of the prize money. Xena had requested a replacement
for Palaga and Cecrops had promised to send her someone to take her place. Then
PT-Evdomenda Tria had sped off out of the harbor to its hidden anchorage to
re-equip and supply. Now they were back at their lonely dock again, with the
same two guards pacing the sun washed planks and spitting into the water. There
was nothing much to do here except to sunbathe or swim, or listen to the quiet
lapping of the water of the cove, the hum of pigeon-sized mosquitoes and the
slow progression of blood through their veins.

Now they were waiting for orders and for the new officer that Admiral Cecrops
had promised. Xena slapped at a mosquito as she hoped that this new man or woman
knew something of the job of command and that she would not have to train them
from scratch. Also, she thought reflectively, I hope she or
he can fit into this wild and woolly crew who hasnt had liberty in a couple
of months! Damn this boat were on! Nothing like it has ever been seen
before on either side. Because of that, my crew has been kept penned up on board
for fear one of em might get drunk in port and shoot off his or her mouth
about its capabilities.

The small PT-Boat was a totally new idea in naval warfare. No sails caught
the wind and no oars pulled by men propelled it. Oh, it had a bank of three
fake oars along each side strictly for show, but that was to hide the real TOP
SECRET of the propulsion system. The dark captain found herself even thinking
the words in Capital Letters and growled in disgust.

The whole big SECRET was the Hercules Rock Bubbler. Captain Xena
wasnt certain just how the thing worked herself, but then she wasnt
certain how a horse worked either. She just knew if she jumped on and did certain
things, the horse ran or walked or stopped. It was the same with this new Bubbler
thingy. If she called through the speaking tube and ordered speed, certain control
wheels would be turned by Chief Bubblerman Joxer and his Assistant BM Theodorus
and the boat moved magically forward under its own power. If they turned
the wheels the other way the boat lost headway and stopped moving in moments.

Xena knew that it all had something to do with the strange and rare explosive
rocks that sent up bubbles from under water. Her friend Hercules had brought
them to the attention of the Greek commanders and some big brain named Archemedes
had come up with this idea for their use in moving a boat. She frowned. The
rocks had to be kept constantly under water or they would explode with devastating
force. They were kept contained in a big sealed iron vat full of water. Inside
the vat, the submerged rocks sent out a constant cloud of steaming bubbles to
the surface of the water inside. The vat was called The Bubbler
for obvious reasons and was below decks in a steaming hot compartment called,
again for obvious reasons, the Bubbler Room.

Normally there was an open hole of about 10 inches diameter in the top of the
Bubbler vat, which allowed the steam from the bubbles to escape. However, if
this vent was closed with a large iron plug and the control wheels were turned
to open, the bubbles were then directed out of three iron tubes that ran underwater
beneath the hull of the PT-Boat. They ran all the way back to the stern. Then,
instead of just being vented out into the Bubbler Room and on outside to the
air, the bubbles shot out underwater. The discharging bubbles drove the boat
forward faster than any ship powered by sail or oars. Unfortunately, the Bubbler
was apparently not powerful enough to drive a bigger ship, but it worked just
fine for the small PT-Boat.

It was the job of the Chief Bubblerman and the Assistant
Bubblerman to stay in the hot steamy space and regulate the flow of the
bubbles vented out the bottom of the boat when the captain called for speed.
It was also their job to make certain that the water level in the Bubbler
did not fall too low and expose the rocks to the air. The volatile rocks would
explode within scant minutes if not kept cooled by the water covering them.
Every so often, the Chief BM and his Assistant BM would pour buckets of seawater
into the vent hole in the Bubbler Vat to (hopefully) keep the rocks submerged.

Lastly, the closer to the surface of the water the rocks were, the faster the
bubbles came up into the Bubbler. More bubbles shooting out of the stern tubes
meant the PT-Boat went faster. Of course this was more dangerous because the
water level in the vat had to be monitored carefully. If the surface of the
rocks became exposed, it was bye-bye to both the PT-Boat and the crew.

The top brass thought that a small fast boat like this one, armed heavily for
its size could work wonders against traditional ships that had to move by sails
or oars. They envisioned it darting around against the wind, or harassing a
becalmed wind-powered fleet and wreaking havoc with its armament of Ballista
bolts tipped with bottles of explosive Greek Fire. The large three-man crossbows
had good range and their incendiary missiles could set a wooden ship on fire
easily.

Xena grunted gloomily. The only thing wrong with this rosy view was of course
that unless they were unarmed supply craft like the one today, the becalmed
ships didnt just have to lie there and take it. If they had archers, they
could sweep the deck of the tiny boat and kill the two Ballista crews. With
no one to work the PT-Boats main weapons it would be worse than useless
in a fight. Oar powered ships didnt depend on the wind and were as fast
as the PT-Boat in the short-run. They could give trouble to the lightly armed
boat, at least until the rowing crews grew tired. Further, if the larger ships
had catapults and managed to score even one hit, the tiny thin-hulled craft
would be sunk without hope of survivors.

"And how come Im the only one to have thought of this bit of sand in
the spinach?" she muttered, chewing viciously on her cigar. She spat over the
side of the PT-Boat. "Of course the high command has thought of it. Thats
most likely why no more Poseidons Tridents have been built yet. Theyre
waiting to see whether we succeed or fail before investing in any more of them
meanwhile were SOL even for liberty " Just then there was
a smash and thud below and a female howl of anger, followed by the sound of
blows.

"Oh, for the gods sakes," Xena cursed as she hurried below. "What in
Tartarus is happening now?" As she came near, it sounded like Ephiny and Melosa
were at it again. This proved to be true as she came into the small mess hall.
The two amazons were throwing punches, kicks and flipping one another all over
the space, while Chief Bubblerman Joxer, his Assistant Bubblerman Theodores
and Autolycus the cook stood by placing bets on which woman would win. Ships
Healer Mlila watched in boredom as the two amazons hammered one another.

"All RIGHT! Thats ENOUGH!" Xena bellowed. She strode between the two
women, stopping the fight. "Why dont you two save it for the Trojans?"
she snarled. She chewed at her cigar savagely. "What is it this time?"

Aft Ballista Chief Ephinys blond hair was tangled and there was a boot
imprint in the center of her shirt. She pointed at Melosa. "This stuck-up slitch
said, that if she was queen and I was the last amazon in the tribe, shed
sooner give her right of caste to a centaur! She knows damned well I hate centaurs!"

Forard Ballista Chief Melosa snarled a bloody lip. "Yeah? Well, where
do you get off saying that my mothers tribe wore all wore SANDALS? No
self-respecting amazons would ever do such a thing! My mother always wore boots
just like the ones I was just kickin your ass with!"

"ARGHHH!" Xena howled. In a flash she was between the two amazons and hurled
them sprawling to the deck. She was so furious that she bit through her cigar
and both of them paled, their anger momentarily forgotten. The captain spat
the cigar stub out of her mouth. "Enough! I dont give a Bacchaes
butt WHO said WHAT to WHO! Melosa, you get your boots up top and
swab the foredeck all around yer Ballista! Ephiny, you get up top and start
swabbing around yer aft Ballista! I dont wanna see either onea you
two within ten feet of each other till dinner time! Now, move it, both of you!"

As the two disgruntled crewwomen limped away, Xena turned savagely on the three
men. "And if you three dont have any work to do, you can start by scraping
the barnacles off the hull!"

"Holy, Zeus! I do think I hear my pots calling me. Ill be workin
on dinner. Tah-tah!" Autolycus left quickly.

Chief BM Joxer, however, made the mistake of saying, "But, Capn Xena
the barnacles are on the hull under water. Howd we breathe?"

She came close to him and her narrowed blue eyes shot lighting bolts into his.
"You wanna find OUT?"

"Uh, no " he quavered with a sickly grin, backing up a step.

"Then why?" She inquired icily.

A blank stare met her question, then he stammered, "Th-Then why what,
Capn?"

"THEN WHYRE YOU STILL HERE?" she bellowed.

"Huh? Oh. OH! Uh, the Bubbler Room! Its a terrible mess! Yeah! I could
help Theodorus tidy it up!"

As the man departed hastily tripping over his own feet, Xena turned to Ships
Healer Mlila. "And why didnt you do anything to stop the fight,
Pills? You coulda used that pressure point combat stuff you showed me
to paralyze them or something!"

The small brown-skinned woman with faintly oriental features shrugged.

Xena raised an eyebrow in irritation. "I asked you a question. Answer me."

Xena didnt understand the words except the mangled pronunciation of her
own name at the beginning, but the Gaulish womans tone was almost caressing.
"Hades on a crutch, Pills! Speak Greek, cant you? You know that stuff
is Britannian to me!"

"Oh, whats the use?" The dark captain groaned. "Get back to the surgery
and check over your supplies of herbs and bandages and stuff. If you need any,
write me a requisition."

"Tvoja ljubav samo mene krasi, Zeenja." The dusky woman flipped her head as
if shooing a fly. "Dalje kome kao srcu mome?" She turned and silently
left by the companionway.

Frustrated, Xena watched her Ships Healer go. "Im damned if you
dont understand Greek as well as I do," she muttered as she got out another
cigar and clamped it in her teeth. "Yer just too Hades stubborn to speak it."

Xena didnt know whether to be happy or apprehensive. She drew on the
cigar before asking, "Where is she?"

"I left her on the dock, Maam. I figured youd wanna welcome her
onboard yourself." Solari leaned over and lowered her voice. "She looks kinda
young, Cap. But cute? Mmm-Yummy. If I wasnt already hooked up with Eph..."
She winked.

"Belay that jabber, Assistant Chief," Xena frowned and shifted her cigar from
one side of her mouth to the other. "Shes your superior officer."

Solari straightened. "Aye, aye, Maam. That she is."

Xena came on deck and saw with satisfaction that Melosa and Ephiny were swabbing
the aft and forward decks respectively. Nearby, young seaman Terreis, Ballista
cranker Velasca and crewman Dragonna were sunning themselves. On the other side,
crewman Eponin concentrated on lifting weights with Assistant Bubblerman Theodorus.
Both were covered with sweat which shone in the sun and were amazingly muscled.

Xena allowed herself a small smile. Now if she could only keep this bunch of
hot-bloods busy long enough to get to sea again without bloodshed, things should
quiet down again. She hoped the new arrival had some orders for her wild and
wooly crew. She went to the gangplank connecting the boat to the dock. At the
land end, stood a smallish red-haired woman with brilliant green eyes. She was
muscular without being bulky and looked on the young side as Solari had said.
She held a scroll and at her feet was a brand new sea bag. Inwardly the tall
captain winced. Great. Looks like Im gonna have to nurse along another
wet-nosed kid. Hope she can make the grade. She sighed.

Meanwhile, the small woman hoisted the sea bag to her shoulder, advanced up
the plank and stopped with a salute before stepping onto the boat. "Ensign Gabrielle
of Poteidaia reporting for duty, Captain. Permission to come aboard?"

In spite of herself, Xena was impressed. The young womans voice was arresting.
It had a quality and depth of timbre to it that many officers wished for and
she had a personal presence as well, no doubt about it. She relaxed a tad. This
kid might work out after all. She removed the cigar from her mouth and returned
the salute. "Permission granted, Mister. Come aboard." By strict Naval tradition,
the use of the honorific Mister was applied to any ensign no matter what sex
they were.

At her words of welcome, the ensign smiled, causing her nose to wrinkle and
her face suddenly had an elfin loveliness that made the captains breath
catch. Damn, shes beautiful. Down girl, shes your second
in command. Dont even think about it. She consciously straightened her
shoulders and swallowed.

Noticing nothing, the young ensign stepped off the gangplank and put down the
sea bag. She glanced around curiously at the PT-Boat, the deserted dock with
the two guards pacing listlessly back and forth. "Long way out here, Maam.
Why arent we docked with the rest of the fleet?"

Xena raised a stony eyebrow and cleared her throat. "You have something for
me, Mister Gabrielle?"

Xena grunted and accepted the parchment. She looked it over, noting that the
wax seal was unbroken. She opened it and saw the ensigns orders assigned
her to the PT-Boat replacing Ensign Palaga. She looked around, saw seaman Marga
coming out of the hatch and waved her over. She turned back to the ensign and
they clasped forearms. "All right, Mister. Welcome to Poseidons Trident
Evdomenda Tria. Since you are senior in rank to anybody but me, youll
be my Second-in-Command."

The ensign seemed to swell with pride and smiled again. "Thank you, Maam.
Ill do my best to do my duty." Her green eyes shone with excitement and
Xena felt sweet urgings welling up in her that shed thought were safely
buried long ago. She groaned inwardly. Not now, dammit.

Showing nothing of the turmoil that was growing inside, she spoke to Marga.
"Sailor, take Mister Gabrielles seabag and show her to Mister Palagas
berth." She turned back to the redheaded ensign. "When you get squared away,
come back on deck and well talk about your duties."

"Very good, Maam." The young woman saluted.

Xena sketched a return salute and turned away with a grateful sigh as her new
Second Officer followed the dark amazon to the hatch. As a result, she didnt
see the young redhead look around quickly as if to see if anyone was watching.
When she saw that there wasnt, she closed her green eyes for a moment,
then took a deep breath as if to calm herself before she entered the hatch after
Marga.

++++++++++

Some while later, Xena looked around to see the redheaded ensign coming on
deck. She seemed to wobble slightly and appeared somewhat pale. The captain
studied her. "Something wrong, Mister?"

"Um, no, Maam. A bit close down there below decks n-not used to
it yet." The young woman drew in a deep breath of the fresh sea air and her
color did improve. "Mmm. Thats better," she sighed.

"Hmm. Well, Mister Gabrielle, I hope youre half as good as our last ensign
was."

"Who am I replacing, Capn? An ensign Palagy was it?"

"Ensign Palaga," Xena was short. "We lost her, last mission. She was
a good officer and good at the helm; damn good."

"I-Ill do my best to live up to her reputation, Maam." Gabrielle
swallowed. "H-How was she killed? In combat with the Trojans?"

The captain took out her cigar irritably. "Shes not dead, shes
married!" At the ensigns stare, she continued. "She fell in love with
a centaur in the last port and jumped ship to marry him. Leaving us short handed
by the way."

"She married a centaur." Gabrielle had an expression of somewhat stunned
contemplation on her face. After a moment she ventured, "Wouldnt that
be, um, a bit hard to, uh, TAKE, as it were?"

Xena guffawed. "Hard to TAKE? Those boys arent small, Mister. Id
say it would be a bit MUCH to take!"

The ensign giggled, which turned her face quite young and made her look very
cute indeed to the captains sudden unease. She found herself taking in
the ensigns body, her smooth legs and muscled arms. Her hands were particularly
beautiful, with long fingers and short nails and her hair shone coppery red
fire in the sunlight. Xena groaned inwardly and forced her eyes away. No,
dammit. This isnt gonna happen. Shes your fellow officer, and anyway,"
she thought glumly, theres no way in Tartarus she would be interested
in an old war chariot like you anyway.

Meanwhile, unaware of her captains turmoil, the ensign was gazing around
at the deck and the Ballistas. "So, Captain, I was wondering. This boat is a
bit different from any others Ive seen. What do our duties and missions
consist of anyway?"

Glad for the distraction, Xena drew on her cigar and found it was out. "Our
job is to pursue and destroy or capture enemy vessels."

"Pursue?" The ensign was clearly at a loss. "Begging your pardon, Maam,
but how do we do that with a boat this size and only three oars per side? And
while Im thinking about it, where are our oarsmen? I didnt
see too many berths below. At least not enough to crew the Ballistas and the
oars at the same time."

She was sharp, no doubt about it. There was no way that the twelve man crew,
fourteen with the two officers, could man oars and weapons at the same time.
Xena grinned as she re-lit her cigar. "Im glad to see there are no flies
on you, Mister Gabrielle. What would you say our top speed is?"

The ensign was candid. "Frankly, Maam? Judging from what Ive seen,
no masts or sails, only six oars? Id say a sick crab could outrun
us."

Caught unaware, Xena drew in a breath to laugh and coughed smoke. She liked
the young womans no nonsense appraisal and standup assessment of the facts
as she knew them. She was absolutely right. If PT-Evdomenda Tria were a normal
craft, she couldnt have caught a one-person rowboat with a determined
old woman at the oars.

"Yer absolutely right as far as it goes " she grinned after she had finished
coughing. "But this boat isnt exactly a run-of-the-mill naval craft. Its
like this "

When she had finished explaining how the Bubbler drove the ship without oars
or sails, faster than other ships could sail or row, the ensign was awed. "By
the gods! Thats amazing, Maam! The Trojans wont stand
a chance! How many others like us are in the fleet?"

The captain looked sour. "There were two others before us, but at the moment,
were the only one."

Gabrielle was stunned. "Then why do they call this boat Poseidons Trident
Evdomenda Tria if there arent really Seventy Three other PTs in
the fleet?"

"Thats Commands brilliant idea," Xena said acidly. "They tacked
the seven on in front of the three figuring if the enemy
sees the big number and thinks there are that many like us, theyll be
scared or something." She drew on her cigar and meditated "I suppose its
not really such a bad idea. Itd be better if we had a few other boats
with other numbers though."

"Um, you said there were two other PTs? Wh-Where are they?"

Xenas gaze was stony. "They never came back from their trial runs. Official
explanation is they were lost to enemy action..." she let her voice trail off
as she looked at the younger woman from under her eyebrows.

"You said that if the water in the Bubbler ever uncovers the rocks, they, uh,
explode?"

"That is correct, Mister Gabrielle."

"Uhhh, I wondered wh-what happens if they do explode? I mean
h-how bad would it be for us?"

"How bad?" Xena took the cigar out of her mouth and regarded it sourly. "Since
were loaded with stored amphoras of Greek Fire for the Ballistas
such an explosion would probably blow everyone on this barge to a right choice
seat on Charons boat trip to Tartarus!" She looked at the suddenly white-faced
ensign and raised an eyebrow with a sardonic grin. "But if it happened wed
be dead before we knew it, so I guess if ya look at it that way, it couldnt
be TOO bad."

++++++++

Xena picked up the speaking trumpet and bellowed, "Call to orders! All hands
on deck."

In moments, the women and men of PT-Evdomenda Tria came from below, formed
up into their various groups and stood to attention. The two Ballista crews
stood by their weapons. Chief Bubblerman Joxer and his massive Assistant Chief
BM Theodorus stood together. Chef Autolycus and Ships Healer Mlila
stood next to the main hatch. Lastly, dark skinned seaman Dragonna and young
seaman Terreis stood near the rear hatch.

Xena spoke. "At ease, people. This is your new second officer, Ensign Gabrielle.
Shell be replacing ensign Palaga on the duty roster. Mister Gabrielle
will be second officer under me."

They stepped up to the nearest group and the captain said, "This is Joxer and
Theodorus, the two who make sure this boat keeps moving on command."

Gaping at the ensign, Joxer grinned from ear to ear looking not unlike a happy
harpy. "Chief Bubblerman Joxer, at yer service, Maam. This is my Assistant,
Chief Theodorus. Welcome aboard." He made a fuss over shaking her hand. The
hulking Theodorus merely stood, saying nothing.

The redhead shook Joxers hand gravely. "I hear its you and Chief
Theodorus who keep the Bubbler from blowing us all sky high. Please, and I do
mean this with all my heart, keep up the good work."

"Aye, aye, Maam! Well do our best!" Chief Joxer threw her a snappy
salute. At least it was supposed to be snappy, but he stuck his thumb in his
eye when he did so. He then staggered back with a yelp of pain, stumbled over
the coaming and fell off the deck into the cove with a hapless cry and a huge
splash which soaked any crew member unlucky enough to be nearby. He then proceeded
to thrash and scream for help, plowing his hands in the water with absolutely
no hint of swimming skill whatsoever.

He nodded, then jumped overboard and swam powerfully toward where his gargling
Chief was going down for the third time.

"Pay no attention," the dark captain groaned to the wide-eyed ensign while
leading her toward Ballista Mount Number One. "Despite this little display,
he really is quite good with the Bubbler."

"Uh, shouldnt we throw them a line or something?" The ensign asked
worriedly as the commotion in the water continued.

"No, no. Its all right," Xena said conversationally. "Happens a couple
of times a day. Chief Theodorus can handle it " At that moment the cries
and thrashing from the water ceased in a beefy smack and an anguished grunt
from the Chief BM. "See? Taken care of already."

As they came up to Mount Number One, the amazon crew snapped to attention.
"This is the crew of Ballista One. Chief Melosa who is also the aimer, Loader
Marga and Cranker Velasca." Xena smiled at the tall, muscled, honey blond she
had introduced last. "Seaman Velasca does the heavy work of cranking back and
cocking the Ballista string while the Chief and the Loader just watch, right,
Sailor?"

"If you say so, Maam." Velasca grinned.

Xena winked. "At present, thanks to the keen eye of Chef Melosa, and the fast
work of Loader Marga, Ballista One is a bit ahead of Ballista Two in hits. But
that could change anytime, right Chief?"

"Sure, Maam, when pigs fly," smirked Melosa.

As Xena and Gabrielle headed toward the next group, the captain drew on her
cigar and muttered out of the side of her mouth, "Theres a bit of rivalry
between Mount One and Mount Two in keeping score. It keeps them on their toes."

"Friendly rivalry of course," the ensign grinned.

The captain smirked. "Oh, of course. Wouldnt have it any other way."
At that moment, Chief Theodorus appeared climbing over the side of the boat.
He was carrying the limp Joxer over a shoulder with ease.

As they approached the Cook and the Healer, Autolycus preened his mustache
and made a show of kissing the ensigns hand, causing her to blush. "Pleased
to meetcha, Maam, Im Autolycus the Chef. You like spinach?"

"Uh, yes." Gabrielle stared at the question.

"Oh, good! I make a killer spinach cheese pie, well, when I have the fresh
spinach that is. Lately I just dont seem to be able to get the captain
to order any aboard." He bent over and whispered sotto voice, "Frankly, I dont
think that someone with the initials XWP likes spinach but thats
no reason the rest of us should suffer, eh? Maybe you could put in a good word "

Xena cleared her throat. "Make up a new requisition Chef, and in future write
more clearly. Ive been meaning to ask why youve been ordering fresco
splints all this time." She moved on to the small dusky woman next to
him. "Mister Gabrielle, this is Mlila, our Ships Healer."

The ensign was cordial. "Happy to meet you, Mlila. Ive always thought
that healing people is the most important service we can perform."

Mlila gazed at Xena for a moment, then looked hard at the ensign. "Dobro,
bre lepa devojko davole." She seemed to sniff. She looked back at Xena with
a glint in her eye. "Sta ce tebi devojko?"

"What did she say?" Gabrielle looked puzzled.

Xena was brusque. "Uh, I think she said, Welcome aboard." From
the tone, she didnt think thats what the Healer had said at all,
but decided she didnt want to get into it at that moment.

Ephiny put a proud hand on the giant crossbow. "This baby is ready to wail,
Maam. Melosa cant get lucky hits every time."

"Thats the spirit," the captain smiled, then turned to face the entire
crew. "Okay, so much for introductions. Attention!" All the crew snapped to.
"Were gonna take a little cruise out to the target range to shake down
Mister Gabrielle and get her accustomed to the way the boat handles. Once there,
well get in a little target practice as well. All hands to duty stations.
Prepare to cast off and leave the dock."

"Aye, aye, Maam!" The crew shouted, then began running to their various
stations while Xena and the ensign went to the bridge. Once there the captain
grabbed the speaking tube. "Bubbler Room?"

She looked out over the deck and shouted "Cast off Forard! Cast off Aft!"

"Aye, aye." Came the answers.

As the lines thumped onto the dock she spoke into the tube again. "Chief Joxer,
were ready to leave dock. Make bubbles for one quarter speed."

"One quarer spee, aye, aye."

Xena took the wheel of PT-Evdomenda Tria. Until she knew more about how good
the ensign was at ship handling, she preferred to take her boat up the narrow
channel from the hidden dock herself. "Ill take her out, Mister Gabrielle.
Watch what I do and be ready to follow it."

"Aye, aye, Maam." The ensigns voice was excited and Xena realized
that this was the first time the young woman would see the movement of a ship
that was propelled not by sails or oars, but by ... bubbles?

The water at the stern of the PT-Boat began to froth and the snapping sounds
of popping bubbles filled the quiet air of the cove. The boat began to move
slowly leaving the dock behind and a breeze caused by its forward motion began
ruffling their hair.

"By the gods!" Gabrielle gasped.

"Man made wind, no animal or muscle power causes it. Before this only the gods
could make a wind where there wasnt one. Now we can." Xena grinned as
she steered the boat deftly up the channel. "Pretty interesting feeling, isnt
it?"

The ensign grinned back, her green eyes snapping and her nose wrinkling in
delight. "Th-This is is, amazing! Begging your pardon, Maam, but
I hadnt really believed it could work until now." The sun shone on her
smooth skin and the breeze over the bow caused her long fiery copper hair to
swirl around her face and stream out behind her in a fan of brilliant light.

Again Xena felt a surge of desire and groaned within. Gods, she is soooo beautiful.
If only I could run my fingers through that lovely hair, kiss those cute ears
with the big lobes Stoppit, stoppit, STOPPIT! Fool! Idiot! Dirty old
ex-warlord! Focus, like Lao Ma taught you! "Oh, it works all right," she said,
sounding calm regardless of the simmering feelings inside. "Shes pretty
fast on the helm too. Can turn on a dinar. Once in the bay, Ill turn her
over to you and you can get the feel of her yourself. Youll have a ball."

"Uh, huh. I-Im sure I will " the ensign said, but her voice suddenly
sounded less happy.

Nerves, the tall captain decided. Its her first test, her first command.
Shell do fine. She stopped thinking about it as she concentrated on steering
through a particularly narrow part of the channel.

++++++++++++++++

Once into the wider bay, Xena gave over command to the young woman and let
her try a few maneuvers at various speeds with the quick little boat. Then they
headed for the target area, a section of the bay that was set aside for firing
practice with anchored floating buoys with targets on them. It was a fine calm
day, with a blue cloudless sky that seemed to go up forever and the azure sea
foaming along beneath the keel. Gulls danced and screamed overhead and dolphins
raced the ship and leaped over and through the bubble popping wake of the PT-Boat.

They reached the target area and were idling along at low speed, when Xena
grabbed the speaking tube. "All right, Chief Joxer! Twist her tail. I want flank
speed on the Bubbler " Her voice sharpened. " And no damn Mousaka
on the vat housing this time!"

His voice echoed back. "Aye, aye, Maam. No Mousaka it is!"

In a few moments, the boat seemed to jump forward and Xena whooped. This was
more like it! "Mister Gabrielle! Bring her around for a run at the targets!"

"Aye, aye, Maam "

The ensigns voice sounded tight and Xena glanced at her second officer.
The redheaded woman was clutching the wheel and her face was pale with a deaths-head
grin. The captain decided that she was probably tense with the excitement of
her first real drill. The PT-Boat was crashing through the waves at a good clip.
The chop was just a bit rough and Xena was enjoying the wind through her hair
and the motion of the boat with the waves. The ensign had done fine at steering
at low and medium speeds in moderate seas, and the tall captain had no doubts
that she could handle this as well.

She grabbed the speaking trumpet and roared, "Chief Melosa! Chief Ephiny! Target
Drill! Fire at buoy targets as they bear! And remember, the crew that hits the
most and closest to the center gets an extra ration of Oozo back at base!"

The crews at the Ballista mounts acknowledged her orders with shouts of anticipation
and raunchy challenges back and forth. They made four target runs at full speed,
with both Milosa and Ephiny hitting each target that came by. One final run
and Milosas crew hit the buoy near the center, but much to their dismay,
Ephinys bolt hit the target a full handbreadth closer.

Deciding that they had done a good job, Xena called for the crews to secure
the Ballistas and lock down the mounts and they began moving quickly to
follow her orders on the bucking deck.

Spray crashed over the bridge and Xena was in her element. She joyously screamed
her war cry to the sharp breeze blustering over the coaming. "Alalalalalaaaaa!
Sheee-Yip!" With a huge grin of enjoyment she glanced over at the ensign hunched
over the wheel and bellowed against the wind. "This is the life, eh, Mister?"

Gabrielle didnt answer, but kept her face forward and clung to the wheel
as the boat bucketed along.

The captain noticed her second officers posture was ridged. "Whats
the matter, Mister Gabrielle?"

The young woman answered without turning around. "N-Nothing, Maam "
Her voice was choked.

"Holy Zeus!" Xena swore. She realized with a start that the young woman was
seasick ... massively so. She grabbed the speaking tube. "Chief Joxer, back
her speed off to one quarter headway."

"Aye, aye, Maam."

The boat quickly began to lose headway and ride easier as the control wheels
were closed below and Xena approached her Second-in-Command. "Damn, Mister.
Yer about to lose it. Was it something you ate at lunch?"

This was a mistake. As Xena said the word lunch, the ensigns face went
dead white as drool ran down her chin. She clapped both hands over her mouth
with a squeak and staggered for the side of the boat. Even so, she barely made
it before she heaved.

Xena had grabbed the wheel when the ensign had bolted and kept the boat steady.
When Gabrielle seemed to be finished, the captain said quietly. "Come back to
your post, Mister. Youre still on duty."

"Y-Yes, Maam " The pale faced redhead staggered a bit, but did as
she was told without protest. She hunched over the wheel, a picture of misery.

"Stand up straight, Mister." Xena kept her tone soft, aware of the Ballista
crews still working fore and aft. "Face the breeze and take a deep breath of
clean air. Youll feel better."

"Aye, aye, M-Maam. Thank you, Maam " The ensign gulped. She
stood straight and breathed deeply, but seemed unable to look her captain in
the eye.

The captain eyed the Ballista crews now standing at the ready. The mounts were
secured and the munitions lockers closed. "Very good work, Chiefs! Take your
crews below and tell the cook a tot of Retsina for all hands." With a cheer,
the amazons quickly cleared the deck leaving the two officers alone.

Xena drew on her cigar and found it had gone out. She thought of lighting it,
but after a glance at the ensigns still pale complexion, chewed on it
instead. She grunted, "I thought you looked a bit under the weather before when
you came up from below back at the dock but I didnt think "

The young woman was miserable. "Y-Yes, Maam. Down below it always seems
worse somehow "

"It would," Xena nodded. "Close spaces, stuffy smells of old paint and mildew
and bodies. You feel the roll more down there too. Coming on deck to the fresh
air always helps." She looked at her mangled cigar and tossed it overboard.
"You always sick at sea?"

"Yes, Maam " the ensign sounded ashamed. "Once during training,
I even upchucked during a dead calm when we were tied to the dock."

"Yet you stuck it out and made ensign," the captain mused. "That takes guts
when you feel sick all the time."

Gabrielle said nothing, continuing to stare over the bow and breathe the sea
breeze.

Xena felt a growing sense of admiration as she remembered that despite her
illness, the ensign had kept the PT-Boat rock steady during the target runs
too. She spoke firmly. "Give me your hand, Mister."

Gabrielle looked at her for the first time. "M-Maam?" Faint color seemed
to come back into her face as she blushed.

Hesitantly the young woman held out her hand and the captain took it. Inside,
her thought was, Oh, by the gods how beautiful her hand is; how soft and
smooth and warm. Gods, shes trembling, could it be nah.
Shes just feeling sick, stupid. She cleared her throat and firmly
shoved the traitorous thoughts away as she turned the young womans hand
over. "See this spot here on the inside of your wrist? Its a pressure
point." Before the ensign could speak, Xena gave the spot a quick rap with two
hard fingers.

The young woman yelped at the blow, then her green eyes widened. "By the gods!
Maam! Wh-What did you do? I I think I feel better!"

Xena nodded. "That pressure point controls your queasiness reflex. If you strike
it like that it will keep you from being seasick for an hour or so before wearing
off. If you just press on it with two fingers, like so, it will have the same
affect but your sickness will come back quickly once you stop pressing."

As she was showing Gabrielle the pressure point, she didnt notice the
rear hatch where Ships Healer Mlila was just coming up for some
fresh air. The dusky woman took a deep breath and looked around smiling. When
she saw Xena holding the redheads hand on the bridge, her face fell. "Devojko
davole!" She hissed, balling up a tiny fist at the ensign. "Ako li me naznjes,
stado da mi uzme!" Then tears filled her eyes as she went below again.

Meanwhile, Xena became aware that the ensign was gazing at her with obvious
awe and admiration. She cleared her throat. "Now its not a cure-all. And
there can be strange side affects to your appetite if you use it for too long
at a time. Its best you try to fight off the sickness yourself if you
can. But at least youll know what to do in emergencies, like when you
dont have time to be sick."

Gabrielle nodded soberly. "I understand, Maam." Then she glanced down
and Xena realized that she was still holding the other womans hand and
that it was soft and pliant in hers. She flushed and let it go hastily. She
was beginning to turn away when the ensign stopped her. "Maam?"

Xena turned back and swallowed as she found herself lost in the ensigns
green eyes. She forced her voice to calmness. "Yes, Mister Gabrielle?"

The redheads expression was grateful. "Thank you, Maam. Really."

Xena hesitated then finally grunted almost unwillingly, "Yer welcome "
Irritated with herself, she raised her voice. "All right, Mister, take the wheel!
Lets see what you can do now."

"Aye, aye, Maam," the ensign gulped.

The tall captain grabbed the speaking trumpet and roared, "All hands prepare
for battle drill! All hands to battle stations!" She grinned as the two amazon
Ballista crews began spilling out of the hatches and running to ready their
mounts again. Up came seaman Dragonna and Terreis with buckets of sand to cover
blood on the deck and water to douse any fires. Chef Autolycus and a grim-faced
Healer Mlila took the two short lookout mast stations that stood above
the bridge and began scanning the four horizons for any sign of enemy sail.
Satisfied that all was ready, Xena slammed down the trumpet and called into
the speaking tube. "Chief Joxer, kick her in the tail! And dont spare
the bubbles!"

+++++++++

It was nighttime back at their base a week later. Xena had run her new second
officer and the crew through intensive days of battle drills and everything
had gone without a hitch. Both the crew and the young ensign were measuring
up to each other, getting to know one another and now functioned like a unit.
Xena had kept them so busy training, that they were normally too tired to get
into mischief of an evening back at the base. The captain was proud of them.
Since her first bout with seasickness, Gabrielle had managed to keep it under
control, either through sheer will power or the pressure points Xena had showed
her. The crew had come to respect and like the young ensign as well. She did
not try to impress them with her rank or pretend knowledge that she did not
have. If she did not have a clear-cut solution to a question, she would ask
if anyone else knew the answer and then direct any discussion. Mostly, she simply
gave orders in a voice of quiet authority and expected that they would do their
jobs and the crew respected that as well.

There was not much to do at night on the hidden base, and that made for brewing
troubles. The highly competent crewmembers were on a razors edge of efficiency
and had much tension to let off after hours. Gambling took care of some of that,
but once a few expert players had won most of the available dinars, there was
no incentive to keep playing. Athletics and drills and eating took up more time,
but there were still too any chances for the crew to get bored and possibly
start fights and feuds. The captain and ensign of PT-Evdomenda Tria had their
hands full keeping the crew at the fine edge of combat ready and further, at
peace between those times.

It was at sometime during this week that Xena had discovered that her second
officer was also a remarkable storyteller, with wondrous control of her voice
and a seemingly infinite fund of tales. When she played all the parts of various
characters in her stories, she changed her voice and posture, moved her arms
and made faces and generally just took her listeners right into her tale with
her.

At night around the large campfire as the crew slapped at mosquitoes the size
of cats, eventually someone would ask her to tell a tale, and the redhead would
always oblige. The amazons all liked her, especially young Terreis who worshipped
her. Chief Bubbler Joxer seemed to adore her and the suave Autolycus doted on
her as well. Those who were couples or lovers like Melosa and Marga, Ephiny
and Solari, or Eponin and Dragonna would sit close together sharing food and
comfort as they listened. The others would sprawl or sit in a companionable
group listening and participating. Even the hulking Theodorus who mostly kept
to himself, seemed to be drawn in when Gabrielle would begin with a line like
"I sing a song of Oedipus, most TRAGIC of men... All in all, it worked out splendidly
and was a good tension reliever after a long day of training.

That night, as Xena listened to the tale that Gabrielle was spinning, she found
herself happy to just sit and listen and watch her talented second officer and
to let her mind float with images of the young woman in her arms. She knew that
it was a fools dream, because Gabrielle was her fellow officer and Xena
would never let the possibility of love spoil the good working relationship
they had. Perhaps if they were not both in the Navy in the same chain of command
but they were. And the warrior captain would not cross that line to betray
her trust as an officer. Not even for her dream of love.

She drew on her cigar, then smiled at the fire lit outline of her redheaded
hearts desire. Someday perhaps, she thought, someday when this war is
all over, if we all live through it. Then maybe Ill tell you, my beautiful
one.

Just then Mlila came over and sank down on her knees next to her. She
looked at Xena, then at Ephiny and Solari sitting with their arms around one
another as they listened to the young ensign-bard who was so wrapped-up in her
story and said plaintively, "Zeenja? Dal devojko dara rasturilo?"

"Absolutely," the captain answered offhandedly. As usual she had no idea of
what the Healer had said.

"Ah. Da nam padne letnja kisa," the Gaulish woman sighed with sadness in her
voice. Then she got up to move closer to the fire and listen to the story. Just
then the ensign bard came to a funny part of her tale and the crew broke into
gales of laughter; including Mlila. Xena studied her Ships Healer,
wondering not for the first time, just how much the small woman did understand
of what was being said in front of and around her. Aw Hades, she thought after
a moment. Shes just laughing because we did, or maybe she just likes the
rhythm of the words.

Shrugging it off, she went back to listening to the bard with the rest.

+++++++++

The next afternoon after a long morning of target drill out in the bay, the
PT-Boat was coming back down the channel to the hidden base once more. Gabrielle
was at the helm, for she had now advanced in skill to the point where Xena let
her pilot the boat everywhere while she took care of running everything else
like keeping the ships log, navigating, setting up drills, keeping the crew
on its toes and so forth.

Xena was wrestling below with the scroll log, when the young ensign called,
"Maam? Someone waiting for us on the dock. Looks like brass maybe."

Grateful to have something else to do, the captain stretched, put away the
log and came onto the bridge. She squinted that way. She saw the tall black
man with dreadlocks standing on the pier holding a small scroll case and flinched.
"Holy, Zeus! Thats Admiral Cecrops himself. Sound Duty Stations, Mister
Gabrielle. Look lively!" She darted back down to her duty cabin to make certain
everything was ship shape and squared away.

"Aye, aye, Maam!" The ensign took the speaking trumpet and called "All
hands. Take your duty stations! All hands, take your stations please!"

Within moments the crew, including Xena had all piled out of the hatches and
stood at attention at their emergency stations except the two Bubbler Chiefs,
who stayed on duty at their posts below.

As the PT-Boat nosed up to the pilings, Xena bit her lip and thought, easy,
easy. Lets not ram the dock with the admiral on it, please! However she
said nothing, trusting the ensign to do her job. The captain was proud of her
second in command, when at just the right moment, Gabrielle took the speaking
tube and called for Chief Joxer to halt Bubbles. The already slow moving Boat
lost headway quickly, nosing into the dock bumpers as gently a mothers
kiss and came to a complete stop.

"Mooring lines, please," Gabrielle called. "Tie her down and step lively, there."
Dragonna and Terries jumped onto the dock and tossed the mooring cables back
to Valesca and Eponin who made them fast and that quickly the boat was secure.
At the same time Chiefs Melosa and Ephiny set down the gangplank from the side
of the ship to within inches of the Admirals toes. Xena now came up and
stood at attention at the head of the plank.

"All hands Atten-SHUN!"

The Admiral came up the plank and stood on the end with a salute. "Permission
to come aboard, Captain?" His voice was rich and deep, seeming to rumble out
of his chest like thunder in a cave.

"Permission granted, Sir! Welcome aboard."

"Thank you, Captain Xena." Cecrops nodded as he stepped into the boat and looked
about.

Xena gazed up at him. Although she was tall, Cecrops towered a good five inches
over her. "Would the Admiral like to inspect the boat?"

He smiled but shook his head. "Not at this time, Captain, although knowing
you, I am certain everything is Ship Shape in Athens Fashion. May I speak to
you in private?"

"Certainly, sir. Come this way." He followed her to the bridge where Gabrielle
was standing rigidly at attention next to the wheel.

He looked at her. "That was a right smart maneuver coming into the dock, Mister.
I felt not even a bump as you touched."

The ensign colored with pleasure and shouted, "Thank, YOU, Sir!"

He nodded and turned to the dark captain. "Now, as to why Im here. I
have orders for your next assignment "

"Thank you, Mister Gabrielle, that will be all " Xena began to say when
the Admiral spoke.

"Belay that, Captain. Let your second officer stay. She will need to know what
I have to say about this mission and she might as well get it from the um, horses
mouth as it were." He smiled. "However, please do dismiss the rest of your crew
to shore. They will not be on land again for a number of days from now."

Uh, oh, here it comes. Xena felt her gut go tight but showed no sign. "Aye,
aye, Sir." She dismissed the crew ashore and waited until they had all gone
back to their huts to start playing ball or bathing. Then she turned to him.
"All right, Sir. Lay it on us."

++++++++++

The PT-Boat was making a good clip across the azure waves and gulls circled
screaming overhead. Xena gazed at the horizon without seeing it and pondered
her orders. Admiral Cecrops had been clear and to the point.

According to Command, Cecrops had said, the war was floundering along in a
stalemate. Neither the Greeks or the Trojans could gain a clear advantage
and after ten years there had been far too much blood spilled. Now, a secret
messenger from Prince Paris of Troy had come with news that he (Paris) was willing
to settle for an equitable peace with King Melenaus.

The agreement was simple. Paris would return Helen to her husband Melenaus
to do with as he chose and the king would withdraw his forces from all lands
of Troy and go back to Greece never to return with an army in his lifetime.
The king had tentatively agreed to these conditions.

However, there were many hot heads on the Trojan side who would rather see
Helen dead than returned to her husband the king. For the Greeks, there were
many who would have her dead for leaving her husband the king to go with Prince
Paris in the first place. Therefore, Helen could not be given over in public,
for there was too much chance of assassination from ill-wishers. The whole thing
must be handled with speed and secrecy.

So as captain of the fastest ship in the fleet, Xenas mission, whether
she chose to accept it or not, was to take PT- Evdomenda Tria from the Greek
base in Lemnos. She would go to a sheltered bay some miles north of the port
of Troy. There she would lead a small force from her crew, down the shoreline
into the port on foot and in disguise as followers of Hestia a deity recognized
and respected by both the Greeks and Trojans.

Once in the port, they were to go to an Inn called The Laughing Sailor.
There they would meet Paris, his brother Deiphobus and Helen, who were waiting
in disguise there. They would turn over the queen to Xena and leave. The Greeks
would then take Helen and leave the port by the same shore route by which they
had come, get on the PT-Boat and make full speed to the Isle of Lesbos and turn
her over to her husband King Melenaus who was awaiting her arrival. Once Helen
was safely with Melenaus, he would have no further reason to fight and would
order the army to withdraw from the siege of Troy.

A simple plan, a simple mission, a simple answer to ending the ten year war.
Xena rubbed her nose. She had never trusted simple. The minute you said something
was simple, The Fates stepped in to bollix things up with complications. She
sighed aloud and Ensign Gabrielle looked at her from the helm. "Everything all
right, Maam?"

"Just worrying about the mission, Mister."

The ensign was calm. "Sounds dead easy, Maam. What could go wrong?"

What indeed, the dark captain thought morosely, chewing her cigar. If I knew
that maybe I could quit worrying.

++++++++

PT-Evdomenda Tria had crossed the Aegean Sea from Lemnos to near the port of
Troy without incident. Giving the port a wide berth in case of patrol ships,
they soon found the small bay mentioned some five miles north of Troy and hid
the PT-Boat. Next it seemed everyone wanted to go along on the Away Mission
to fetch the Queen of Troy, but Xena already had her team in mind. On the boat,
she left Ballista Chief Melosa in charge, with orders to have Seaman Dragonna
move them out of the bay if they were discovered by shore or sea patrol.

For the Away Mission team, she decided ensign Gabrielle should go to get some
experience in a land operation. Then she had picked Theodorus and Eponin for
their muscle. She had also picked Ephiny, Marga and Terreis. All then disguised
themselves in the robes and veils of Hestian Virgins, including the massive
Theodorus. The big man didnt look much like any kind of virgin, but then
Xena didnt figure anyone would mess with such a big woman
anyway. She was both pleased and interested to note that somehow out of all
of them, Ensign Gabrielle got the one Hestian costume that had top and bottom
pieces, which left showing in between them, a very trim midriff with a cute
little mole.

Then Chief Joxer had insisted that he should come instead of Theodorus, because
he could look much more like a Hestian Virgin. Privately Xena agreed, but had
told him she needed his expertise with the Bubbler on the ship. After he had
sadly gone back to the Bubbler Room, Mlila had showed up and indicated
that she too wished to come, but when the captain once again demurred, the Healer
stamped her tiny foot and stormed off saying, "Vi idite, laka junaka!"

Watching her leave, Xena frowned. But after all, she reasoned, lets get
real! What kind of a captain would take all of her officer personnel like the
Chief Bubblerman and the Ships Healer along on an Away Mission? What would
be next, the COOK wanting to go? Hades, everybody couldnt go! Somebody
had to stay and watch the ship!

They were not expecting a fight, nevertheless, under their robes, the amazons
had their small crossbows and short swords. Chief Theodorus had a short club
under his. Ensign Gabrielle couldnt hide anything under her brief costume,
(sigh of desire) so she carried a staff instead. Xena had her sword and chakram
and somehow managed to keep them hidden from view.

Following the shore for several miles, they soon came to the entrance to the
port of Troy, with the walled city on the cliffs high above. Xena was edgy as
they approached the outer post of the shore guards, a Ballista Tower manned
with many men. But as prim and holy Hestian Virgins it seemed that no one cared
to trouble them. The soldiers looking down from the tower merely waved them
on past and into the port.

However, things seemed far too lax to Xena. She was certain the soldiers were
all about half drunk and she couldnt understand it. The Trojan soldiers
she had met in battle before were quite professional. They were both tough and
canny fighters who could stand up to anything the Greeks could throw at them
and give it back with interest and it worried her. Was it because the guards
couldnt imagine that such a small band of women could cause any harm to
the mighty city of Troy?

Still worried, she whispered to Gabrielle, "Keep yer eyes open, Mister. Somethings
wrong. I dunno what, but something is off."

The ensign looked up at the mighty walls of the city above the port, bristling
with guards, Catapults, Ballistas and vats of boiling oil and shivered. "Maybe
these guys dont think they need to be worried this far from the fighting?
The Greek army is all on the land side in front of Troy, isnt it?"

Xena wasnt convinced. "Maybe, but I dunno. Just doesnt seem
right."

However, as they went into the port proper, they came across many people drunken
and dancing in the streets. Music and wine flowed freely and even the soldiers
they saw seemed to be joining in. It seemed a full-scale celebration of some
kind was in progress and it became difficult to move through the alleyways and
thoroughfares because of the thronging humanity.

As they went through the crowd trying to remain inconspicuous, one drunken
man stumbled into Theodorus. "Hoo, a Hestian! Hic! A H-Hestian Virgin!" His
eyes traveled up to the veiled Theodorus head. "A BIG Hestian Virgin!
Y-You look to be a charmfull-armfull! How about a grea big k-kiss, sweeting?
I promise it won de-viginize ya " He made as if to raise the Chiefs
veil, but the big Bubblerman grasped him by the throat and lifted him without
effort to glare into his eyes.

"Thas nowt perlite!" He growled to the gurgling man. "Insultin
a Hestian Virgin ars a sin! Naow repent an sin no moawr!" One handed he flung
the man away from him to crash into a bakers stall, sending disks of fresh flatbread
skittering everywhere.

No one paid the slightest attention as the Virgins hurried away, but the man
sat up with a hiccup and a dopey smile. "Damn, wh-what a wo-woman," he groaned
before he fell back unconscious.

Everywhere they went towards their destination, it was the same. People cavorted,
drinking, dancing and singing in celebration. It was too much to fathom. Xena
stopped a man who was wobbling by carrying an amphora of wine and drinking freely
from it. "Hey," she said sharply. "Whats going on here? Whats all
the celebration about?"

He looked blearily at her then smiled vacuously. "Oh, a-a Hestian Virgin! Here,
b-beautiful sister. Come and help me celebrate. Have a drink!"

"All right," she said, putting on a sexy voice even though she was fuming inside.
"So tell me again, what is it that we are celebrating?"

"Why, the Greeks ocourse! The bastard Greeks!"

She furrowed her brow. "The Greeks? What about them?"

He stared at the amphora with watery eyes. "Ten years! Ten years I survived.
My sons dead, my wife left me, but I lived through it! That calls fer
a drink!" He raised the container to his mouth.

Xena dashed it to the ground where it smashed. She grabbed him by the coat,
her eyes intense above the Hestian veil. "What ABOUT the Greeks, you drunken
sot!"

"Th-The Greeks?" He pawed ineffectually at her hands. "Oh, the Greeks! Whereve
you been, sister? Theyve pulled out! Given up! Their army marched away!
The Wars over! The Bastards even left us a big wooden horse statue in
honor of our victory over them! I hear its a hunnerd feet tall."

"The Wars OVER?" She was astonished. Behind her she heard the amazons
began to mutter among themselves and Gabrielles quick admonition of silence.
"What do you mean the War is over?"

"Yup! Our generals had the horse pulled inside the city and down the main street
to the city square so everybody could see it and know the Wars over!"
His eyes filled with tears. "The damn Wars over my son is dead,
but the Wars over." He slumped to a sitting position. "M-My son is d-dead "
he began crying heavily. Xena left him where he sat and rejoined the rest of
her team.

Chief Ephiny stepped to her. "Maam? If the war is really over, what happens
to our mission? Should we even be here?"

Gabrielle hissed, "Belay that, Chief. Let the Captain think."

As far as Xena could recall, they were near the section of town where the Inn
of the Laughing Sailor was supposed to be. As the people danced and cavorted
around them, she consulted her map while the rest of her team gathered around
in a protective circle to ward off the crowds. Shortly she rolled it up again.
"All right. The Inn should be two streets up and one over to the east," she
said. "Chief Ephiny, you lead the way with Chief Theodorus to break trail if
needs be. Everyone follow them and Ill bring up the rear."

Xena took a breath. "I know, Chief. I shouldnt have snapped." She laid
a hand on the amazons shoulder and attempted a smile. "I guess were
all strung a bit tight right now. Ready to move out?"

"Aye, aye, Maam." Ephiny smiled. "Come on you lot."

As the others started off following the Ballista Chief, Gabrielle touched Xenas
arm and she jumped. "Sorry, Maam," whispered the ensign.

"Never mind," the tall captain was irritated. "What is it?"

"Look, this place is busier than an anthill after a heavy rain," the bard spoke
low. "I just wondered how were gonna be certain of meeting Helen and the
others if theres a crowd like this at the Inn."

"I know Helen," Xena said shortly. At the ensigns stare, she grudgingly
amplified. "We were good friends once. So if shes there, Ill know
her when I see her."

"Aye, aye." The ensign murmured. "What about this thing about the War being
over?"

"It looks as though somebody may have jumped out of the starting gate early,
before Helen got turned over to Melenaus," the captain growled. "But at this
moment I dont have any more idea than you do, Mister. If they are at the
Inn, maybe Helen or Paris can tell us. Now lets go."

As she followed her small crew through the crowd, Xena found that she was nervous
at the prospect of meeting Helen again. Yeah, they had been good friends
all right. So good that they couldnt live together any more after two
years of trying. She sighed. They had not parted company on the best of terms
after the final blowup and Xena was not looking forward to seeing her ex-lover
again. Maybe if she had been more understanding, less judgmental focus
on the mission, she told herself sharply. Time enough for might-have-beens
when you see her. Right now you have a job to do.

Following Ephiny and Theodorus, the small group of Hestian Virgins passed into
the bustling throng of merchants, soldiers and common folk who were all dancing,
singing and drinking, and vanished from view in the crowd.

++++++++++

The Inn of the Laughing Sailor was on a side street which at the moment was
only populated by a few inebriated figures collapsed on the cobbles. The Inn
was easily recognized by the large clay statue at the entrance. It was of a
man dressed in seafaring togs who had a smirk chiseled on his face. As they
approached, Xena suddenly felt her hackles rise. Her nostrils expanded as a
certain reek reached them. Her heightened senses told her that a lot of blood
had been spilled nearby and the closer they got to the Inn, the more certain
she was that it was inside.

She gave a low whistle and the rest of her team stopped where they were and
looked to her. She glanced around, then indicated that they should ready their
weapons and spread out. After they had, she approached the Inn door. After a
moment, she kicked it open and leaped to flatten herself against the wall beside
it. When nothing happened, she stooped and looked in the opening at about knee
height. What she saw confirmed what her nose had been telling her. There were
two bloody corpses on the floor and many tables and chairs had been smashed
and knocked about. No one else was visible. Getting up, she darted in the door
and to the side, sword and chakram in her hands. With a rush, her team followed
her looking in all directions for enemies, but there were none.

Xena mentally divided her team into the best possible combination of fighters
who could help each other if trouble occurred and spoke quietly. "Chief Ephiny,
take Eponin and Marga you check out the upstairs. Chief Theodorus, you and Terreis,
look to the kitchen and the cellar. See if anyone is alive." As they left, she
knelt to examine the two bodies. They were big, hard muscled men with scars.
They wore strange black helmets that had an almost beak-like protrusion that
came down the middle of their foreheads to their eyebrows. Each had been stabbed
through the chest with a lunge that had gone clear though him. At sight of the
helmets, Xena frowned, then shrugged. She ran a finger through a pool of blood
on the chest of one corpse and brought it up to her nose to sniff.

She heard Gabrielle swallow. "I-Is that Paris and his brother?"

The captain stood up. "Unlikely, Mister Gabrielle. Although Ive never
met them, Paris and his brother are royalty. These two look more like thugs."
She gazed about the room appraisingly. "There was a fight in here, thats
for certain. And not long ago either."

"H-How can you tell that?"

The raven-haired woman rubbed her thumb and finger together. "The blood is
still wet and like water. It hasnt congealed at all. Also blood turns
black after a time; this is still quite red." The ensign made a gagging sound
in her throat and Xena said, "Remember the pressure point I showed you for nausea.
It works not only for seasickness, but any time your stomach wants to turn."

There was a groan from behind her and she looked around to see Gabrielle with
her fingers on the pressure point in her wrist. The ensign looked surprised.
"It wasnt me. It came from over there " she whispered, pointing toward
the bar with the arm she was pressing on.

Xena cat-footed across the room and leaned over the bar top. Down below she
saw a pair of grimy bare feet in greasy pants sticking out from under the bar.
Vaulting over the top, she knelt behind and then helped a gray-haired man in
common clothing stagger to his feet. There was blood running from a shallow
scalp wound in his head. The man groaned and swayed, and Xena guided him out
from behind the bar to sit on a bench.

"Here, sit down," she said. "Mister Gabrielle, bring him some wine. Who are
you?" She asked as she examined his head. "What happened here?"

The ensign brought a small amphora from the bar and the man drank gratefully.
"Thankee, sisters. May Hestia reward you for yer kindness," he said weakly.
"Im Tallonus, the Innkeep. They was a bunch o men sailors
mebbe, by the look of em. They come in and made to grab two gentlemen
and a right pretty woman. She was a lady Id say. The one gentleman fought
em. Kilt those two there "

"What about the other man and the woman?" Xena asked tightly as she
wrapped a makeshift bandage around his head.

Tallonus went on. "Now that was the funny thing. Before one of the farstards
knocked me wobbly, I saw the one gentleman come up ahind the other whilst
he were fightin the rogues an lay him out with a smash to the back o
his head. The pretty woman screamed then an called him kin slayer "

The tall captain grimaced. "These two men did they look anything alike?"

"Well now, come t think on it, they looked as alike as to be brothers
they did. How did you know?"

"Lucky guess," she shrugged. "Can you tell me anything else?"

"Well, whilst I was alayin on the floor with me eyes crossed, I
heard em grab the woman and gag her. Then the gentleman, the one she had
called kin slayer, says something like, "Here is my brother and the bitch delivered
as I promised Melenaus. Tell Draco that once theyre on his ship, he can
do whatever he wants with them "

Xena suddenly felt as if she had been kicked in the stomach. "Wh-What name
was that?" Her voice was a rasp.

"Um, Im sure it were Draco Aye, that was it. Draco. They left
not more than ten minutes ago "

"Thank you," Xena said fervently. She stood up in haste. "Mister Gabrielle,
gather the team. We have to get to the docks at flank speed. We may still catch
them."

The ensign gazed at her with appraisal. "Maam? Do you know this Draco?"

As soon as they got together, they began moving toward the docks, but found
it tough going until Xena put Theodorus and Eponin out front. The two mighty
muscled sailors carved their way through the crowd, hustling people aside or
flinging them bodily away while the rest of the Hestian Virgins followed in
their wake. In this way, they hammered through the milling throngs like a hot
knife going through butter.

Suddenly ahead of them as they neared the docks, Xena saw a group of men wearing
the strange black beak-like helmets who were doing the same thing as they were.
Furthermore, they seemed to be hustling two people along in the center of them.
The two captives had grain sacks over their heads. Urgently she called to Theodorus.
"Thats them ahead, Chief! Bull your way through if you can." The hulking
Hestian Virgin nodded and began pushing harder through the crowd, but it was
obvious that he and Eponin were going about as fast as they could already.

Xena looked about frantically. There had to be a way to slow their quarry down.
Then she saw a series of flagpoles about two stories up, set out perpendicular
to the street. "Mister Gabrielle, take over. Bring them up as fast as you can!
Im going up there!" She pointed at the poles.

"But, Xena " The ensign gulped, then flushed as the captain raised a sharp
eyebrow at her. "Sorry, Maam. Wh-What are you going to do?"

"Im gonna slow them down, of course, now follow my orders, Mister!"

"Aye, aye, Maam." Gabrielle said unhappily.

Paying no more attention to her second in command, Xena looked for an opening
in the throng that led to a wall across from the flagpoles. She found one, gauged
the angles and distance by eye, then ran at full speed towards a building side.
Reaching it, she ran up the side of the stone wall! Just as she had reached
the limit she could run, she went into a series of flips across the street and
upward, catching one of the flag poles she had spotted. In a moment she had
swung atop it. Balancing there easily, she peered ahead and saw that the other
group was nearing the docks! They would be there in another minute if she didnt
stop them. Right at the dock she saw a two masted ship waiting to leave and
even at that distance she saw a familiar figure in a black armor and his trademark
beaked helmet on the command deck. "Draco, in the stinking flesh." she breathed.

Hurriedly then, she gauged the distance to the next flagpole. Yes, it was just
enough.

Below as the Hestian Virgins pushed through the crowd, the redheaded ensign
watched her captain with heart in her mouth. She couldnt believe what
she had just seen when the dark woman had run up the wall and now so effortlessly
stood on the pole as if she was on a plank on the street, not a narrow rounded
dowel two stories in the air. What she saw next almost brought a scream from
her throat, but she choked it back as she watched her captain now running
across those bouncing flagpoles without heed. In moments the dark woman had
reached the end of them and flipped off, dropping thirty feet into the crowd
ahead to face the enemy alone! Gabrielle cursed and shouted orders as the Hestians
continued plowing through the thinning crowd.

Xena had timed her drop well. Her boots landed on the shoulders of one of the
beak-helmeted men who were hustling the two hooded figures forward. She rode
him into the ground with a crunch and whipped out her sword as she landed. In
a trice she had cut down one of them before any of the others even knew they
were being attacked. As he fell she grabbed a scimitar that was stuck in his
belt. She saw that one of the two captives was a man with hands bound in front
of him. She knew she needed another blade at her side, so she whipped the sack
off of his head, cut his bonds with one stroke and pushed the scimitar into
his hand while he was still blinking in the light. "Fight!" She cried, parrying
a blow from one of his now alerted captors and spitting her attacker on her
sword in the next instant.

He was a sandy blond with a neat little beard. "I dont know who you are,
but you have the thanks of Paris, prince of Troy!"

"Dont just stand there and talk!" She roared as she parried a bow from
another man and kicked yet another in the face flipping him up and sideways.

Ignoring her advice he grinned, "Youre a trifle rude to a prince, but
then you are a Greek." He swung the curved sword into the crotch of a leaping
enemy who clasped both hands between his legs and screamed. Yet another thug
now attacked him, but the prince gutted him as well. "Good fight," he grinned
as he dodged another man swinging a mace at his head. "A trifle busy though "
He ran the man through and panted, "Are we it or are more coming?"

"Theyre coming," she grunted as bobbed back and forth, evading a number
of blows from a huge man who seemed determined to bisect her with his two-handed
sword. "All we have to do is last "

"Oh, good! A last minute deliverance, my favorite kind!" Paris slammed his
sword hilt into a bearded face and ducked a spray of flying bloody teeth.

Xena dodged a final blow from the man with the two-hand sword, then flipped
over him suddenly and ran him through before he could turn.

Glancing around, Xena was horrified to see that the still bound and hooded
woman was now twenty feet away, still being rammed toward the ship by two burly
men through the now fast dispersing crowd. She tried to see a way to get at
them, but then was forced to defend herself against three more who attacked
her viciously. She was managing to hold them off until one landed a cut on her
right biceps, which made her arm go momentarily numb. Quickly she tossed the
sword to her other hand and continued fighting.

The two of them were being backed away from the dock by at least six thugs
and she knew there were some who could attack them from behind as well. It was
looking bad when suddenly there was a roar as Theodorus and Eponin suddenly
crashed into the fray, followed by the rest of the sword and staff swinging
Hestians. In moments the enemy were cleared away, either dead or disabled.

The way was open to the ship, as all of the crowd, either drunken or dancing
had seemed to clear away suddenly. The two men were hustling the captive woman
toward the gangplank of the ship and on deck Draco was roaring orders to cast
off.

Paying no attention, Xena charged past her with Paris, Theodorus and the amazons.
She howled in triumph as the amazons triggered their crossbows and several men
fell screaming from the ship. However, Draco roared orders and suddenly ten
men appeared behind him with short bows and aimed a flight of arrows at the
charging amazons.

"Down, get DOWN!" Xena shrieked, flying into a forward roll as the men loosed
their shafts. Her amazons threw themselves aside safely, but two arrows flew
like hungry bees straight toward Prince Paris face as he stood gaping.
Desperately she snatched the two arrows out of the air within inches of their
target.

"D-Damned nice catch," he quavered with his eyes bulging. Xena tossed them
aside and tackled him rolling them both behind a nearby barrel as more shafts
zapped through the space where he had been.

"What did I say about standing around talking?" she rasped.

"Point taken." He swallowed as yet another arrow shattered on the stone wall
above and showered them with fragments. "These bastards seem to mean business."

More arrows came in and the amazons returned fire with their crossbows. With
no missile weapon, Chief Theodorus held the dead body of an enemy in front of
him and kept going forward toward the ship as the men aboard slammed arrow after
arrow into it.

Certain she could avoid the shafts, Xena was about to charge from cover to
help him when she heard an agonized female scream. She looked up from Paris
as her heart seemed to stop. Please not the ensign, she gulped with horror.
N-Not Gabrielle, please.

Then she saw that the redhead lay on the ground about ten feet away near another
barrel. Heedless of the snapping arrows still coming from the ship, Xena leaped
up and ran across to the huddled form. "Gabrielle," she gulped. Gently she turned
her second officer over. As her face came into view, the ensign looked up at
her confusedly, but with no sign of pain in her green eyes.

"Are you all right " Xena began, then choked on her words. "Oh, gods!"
Beneath the ensign-bard lay young seaman Terreis with an arrow protruding from
her left breast and her blood stained the thin Hestian clothing.

"She fired her crossbow then stood up to reload. I tried to get her down, but
before I could, she was hit," moaned the ensign. "Then all I could think to
do was cover her from more arrows..."

"C-Captain " Terreis voice was weak. "It-It hurts "

Gabrielles green eyes were pleading as she looked at her captain. "Is-Is
she gonna be all right?"

Xena had almost as many medical skills as Mlila and after one look knew
she could do nothing for Terreis. The shaft was too close to the young womans
heart. Even with the most expert Healers hand, trying to remove it would
kill her. Leaving it in would kill her. Xena felt her eyes filling with tears.
Oh, damn you. This is your fault, Xena! All of it! You got in a hurry and charged
right into it! Even Gabrielle knew better but you wouldnt listen. How
does it feel to be adding yet another mark to your score of the innocent dead?
Damn you, Xena, when are you going to learn?

Terreis coughed and moaned, and the captain reached down with both hands to
two places on the young womans chest and pressed hard. The amazon grunted,
then stopped groaning. "It-It hurt before n-now I hardly feel a thing "
she said weakly. "Am I all right now?"

Xena smiled down at her. "Just rest," she said softly.

"All right," Terreis closed her eyes. Gabrielle gazed up at her captain with
the hope and certainty that she could do anything. Her face fell as the raven-haired
woman swallowed and shook her head. A tear ran down the redheads cheek,
then she took Terreis hand and stroked her hair.

Just then Xena heard Ephinys voice calling urgently. "Captain?"

Back to work, Xena. Yer too evil to rest. Somewhere in the back of her mind,
she remembered hearing when the arrows had stopped coming and knew they had
lost their quarry. She stood up and looked around wearily. "Yes, Chief?"

"The ships pulling away, Maam. Out of arrow shot. They got Helen
on board. What are we going to do now?"

The captain shook herself. Plenty of time to punish yerself later, warrior
bitch, she promised. Right now youve got a job to do. "Chief Theodorus?
Youre strongest. You take Terreis. Chief Ephiny, gather the group." She
turned to the hulking Assistant Bubblerman. "Be gentle," she whispered.

"Oy, oy, Marm," he said. He picked the young amazon up into his arms
and straight off the ground in a dead lift as if she were a feather and as gently
as a baby. Even so she groaned faintly.

Ephiny was at her side again. "All here, Maam." Her eyes turned to Terreis,
and she looked grim.

"All right, Chief. Mister Gabrielle, get us started back to the boat. You and
Eponin lead off. Keep Chief Theodorus and Terreis in the center. All right people,
lets move."

As they started off prince Paris came trotting up. "Look, whatever your name
is. Youve got to get Helen back from that ship and take her to Melenaus,
or our agreement falls through and the war goes on!"

She turned on him savagely and he took a step back. "All right, prince,
what in Tartarus is going on? This was supposed to be a trade, not a fight!
What happened?"

He nodded as they started moving and continued. "As near as I can make out
from things I heard while I was under that sack, when I told my brother about
my idea of offering Helen to Melenaus as a means to end the war, he had his
own plans. He contacted this Draco bastard to take Helen and I to sell as slaves."
He dodged past a drunken woman and continued. "Then when Helen is not turned
over to the king, that will keep the war going. I wouldnt be there and
Deiphobus would take over as ruler and continue running the war to his own satisfaction."

Xena was perplexed. "Why would he do that? Isnt he a prince as well?"

"Certainly, but the little sod has always been sure he could rule better than
me. Brotherly love, you know." He scratched his head. "Seems he also wants the
war to run on for awhile longer. Then he will surrender to the Greeks and have
a piece of all the slaves they will garner." Paris smiled and he suddenly looked
ugly. "It was really quite a good and ambitious plan and Im almost sorry
I didnt think of it first. But, now Im stuck with the original deal
I cut with Melenaus Im afraid."

Xena sucked her breath through her teeth. It seemed Paris didnt care
any more about Helen than her husband had and she almost wished she had let
those arrows hit him in the face.

They went on for a moment or two before Paris spoke again. "Anyway I need to
get back to the palace and prove that Im alive and incidentally
settle with my dear brother " he licked his lips as if hungry. "You must
catch this Draco person and take Helen back to old Melenaus as agreed."

"Fine, fine." The raven-haired woman spoke shortly, her distaste obvious. "Well
do our part all right, but weve got to know where hes going! I suppose
you didnt happen to hear where he was headed?"

Paris seemed not to notice her attitude. "As a matter of fact they did mention
the walled city of Mogador. Do you know it?"

Xena grimaced. "Its in North Africa. Its a main slave trading port."
Memories of another time some ten years before tried to crash in on her. Images
of captured men and women sold and bought like cattle and bags of money in her
hands. Steadfastly she shoved the memories aside. Deal with them later too,
warrior bitch. "Ive been there, but not recently."

"How very interesting." His tone said that it wasnt. "Well, nowadays
its that said some Arabian Khan who goes by the unlovely name of Gur,
runs the place. I mean, really." He shrugged. "He has apparently offered a tremendous
sum for Helen because she is the most beautiful and desirable woman in the world."
He snickered. "Hes in for quite a disappointment, I fancy."

To keep from throttling him, Xena reminded herself that this smirking horseapple
was supposed to be on her side. "So whats all this stuff Ive heard
about a wooden horse left by the Greeks? Was that part of the plan?"

"No," he grunted. "Hades if I know what thats about. Dont care
either. They left it as a gift, well take it as one. It will help cement
my popularity with the people."

"Whatever," she said. Her disgust for him seemed to have no bounds.

++++++

It seemed everyone in the port wanted to see the giant gift horse left by the
Greeks for the streets were now next to empty. Paris left them and no one felt
sorry. They passed the Ballista Tower of the Shore Guards and now saw a litter
of broken and empty wine amphoras but not a single guard. They reached
the beach where they had left the PT-Boat easily, but sadness accompanied them
for it was now obvious that Terreis was dying. Theodorus laid her gently on
the sand and they made her as comfortable as possible. The big man had allowed
no one else to carry the ailing girl the whole way. Now he stood with by an
impassive face, but grief shown in his eyes.

Xena had Mlila fetched out just in case there was anything she could
do, but after she had looked the young amazon over, the tiny Healer sadly shook
her head.

Terreis voice was surprisingly clear. "Mother are you here?"

With tears in her eyes, Xena was about to answer yes, to make the young womans
dying easier when from behind her another voice said, "Im here, little
bird," and Melosa knelt beside her. The dark haired amazons face was full
of grief and tears ran down her cheeks, but her voice was perfectly calm as
she stroked the young womans hair.

Xena stared. Was Melosa truly Terreis birth mother? If so they had shown
nothing of their relationship on board. She looked up at Marga, Melosas
lover. The black amazon bit her lip, then nodded. Shaking her head, the captain
turned back to the scene before her.

"Heal heal the tribes, mother " Terreis eyes were
shut, her voice faint but clear. "You are queen you must heal
us."

Melosa stared sightlessly at her dying daughter, her lips working, but didnt
speak.

The young womans face relaxed into a smile and a long sigh trailed out
of her mouth. Afterward she was still and her mother sat sobbing on her chest
as the rest of the crew watched silently. Then Ephinys voice was heard
in a long drawn out song. It was part lament, part chant and seemed to somehow
be full of joy at the same time. As she sang, one by one the other amazons all
joined in and even Melosa herself finally sang with them as they carroled Terreis
soul into the winds of Eternity.

+++++++++++

The PT-Boat was finally leaving the beach. Behind it on the sand, the last
few licks of flame on the dying amazon funeral pyre consumed the remains of
the youngest member of her crew, for Xena had decided that they had time enough
for the proper burial of Terreis according to the custom of her people.

When ensign Gabrielle had hesitantly pointed out that Draco was getting further
and further away with Helen as they waited for the pyre to burn down, Xena shook
her head grimly. "We know where hes going, Mister. Theres only a
couple of headings he can take to get to Mogador in North Africa. I saw that
ship he has. With the Bubbler, we are well faster than he is. Hes not
going anywhere that we cant catch him."

"What if hes not going to Mogador? What if he changed his mind?"

Xena was grim. "If he changed his mind, were SOL, Mister. But I dont
think he will. If this Gurkhan character offered so much for Helen, Draco will
go for it. Ive never known him to have turned down a big score and this
is one of the biggest." She nodded. "Well find him, never fear."

"Aye, aye, Maam." If the ensigns voice may have shown any doubt,
Xena ignored it.

++++++++++

PT-Evdomenda Tria carved its way through the Aegean swells at full speed,
bubbles hissing and popping from its wake. Chef Autolycus voice came from
the lookout nest. "Ahoy the deck! Sail ho, three points off the starboard bow!"

Xena looked that way and saw nothing but blue sky and azure sea meeting. "Where
away?" She bellowed.

"Sorry, Cap!" The chefs voice came back with a laugh. "I mean its
off the left side, not the right! Port. Starboard. Windward. Larboard.
Never could keep those Navy direction thingies straight. Anyway, I had a fifty-fifty
chance of being right!"

Xena chomped her cigar. "Dammit, chef! For two pins Id "

"Hey, no biggie! I got yer attention, didnt I? Sheesh."

Frustrated, the captain looked at her second officer who was already turning
the boat that direction. She shrugged with a grin. "Hes right, you know.
He did get our attention and thats what counts. Wanna look her over, Maam?"

The raven-haired woman started to swear, then groaned and covered her eyes
with a hand. "Fine, fine. You steer her over thataway and Ill pipe
up the crew."

The closer they got, the more certain Xena was. It was Dracos ship all
right. "Mister Gabrielle! I when we reach her, I want you to cross her
T! Well take out her rudder first, then she cant run from
us!"

"Aye, aye, Maam! Her T it is!" The ensigns voice held
suppressed excitement and perhaps worry.

Xena remembered that it was for all intents, the ensigns first time in
true ship-to-ship combat. She patted her arm. "Just like a drill, Gabrielle,
and we have all the advantages. He has to depend on the wind. With the Bubbler,
we dont. We can run circles around him."

She called to the Ballista crews. "Were gonna cut across her stern, chiefs!
When we do, I want both of you to fire dry rounds into her rudder. Pin it down!
I want her unable to steer!"

"Aye, aye, Maam," came the answers and this time she noted there were
no jibes and bets being made from either Ballista crew. All on board were grimly
anxious to catch the ship ahead and make them pay for the loss of the youngest
crewmember of PT-Evdomenda Tria.

Closer and closer they came and they could see figures running about on the
deck of the ship ahead and Xena fanced she could see Draco at the bridge, shouting
orders. Wasting no time and using the PT-Boats superior maneuverability
to keep the enemy ship right where they wanted it, they cut in behind the stern
at only fifty yards distance. That was point blank range for the Ballistas
and neither crew missed their target, howling in triumph as the bronze headed
bolts slammed into the rudder a split second apart. Melosas bolt hurled
the rudder against the stern of the ship and partly pinned it. Ephinys
bolt nailed it down for good.

The affects were instant. Because of the trapped rudder, the bigger ship was
beginning to turn in that direction. In moments this could bring them against
the wind and the pressure on the sails could flip the ship over. Draco showed
himself a good ship handler, screaming orders that brought the sails down in
quick time and kept the ship from capsizing. She lost headway quickly and was
soon just floating like a monstrously large piece of debris on the placid waves
as the PT-Boat stood off out of arrow range and continued to circle her foe
at half Bubbles.

The dark skinned man with the beaky helmet came to the side of his ship. He
had a big smile on his face. "Well, Xena my love. I thought that was you at
port o Troy! Small world, isnt it? What do you want?"

"Im not your love, Draco. As anyone who looks at that scar
I put on your face should know. And you know what we want. Turn over Helen and
you can be on your way."

"Helen? Helen. Hmm." He stroked his small beard as he pretended to consider.
"Do you mean Helen worth-a-million-dinars-as-a-slave, Helen? Or
is that some other Helen you think I have?"

The raven-haired captain was grim. "No tête-à-tête, Draco.
No witty repartee! Im in no mood this time! Turn her over now, or suffer
the consequences!"

He laughed. "What consequences would those be, Xena? I hold all the cards here!
Anything you can do to us happens to Helen too. As soon as we unstick the rudder
well be on our way!" He grinned. "Nice seeing you again. Sorry you had
a wasted trip out here "

"All right, all right." The warlords shoulders seemed to go slack. "Just
hold those damned Ballistas." He turned away to his first mate. "Starky, were
licked. Bring up the queen."

His mate began to protest. "But Capn "

Draco swore at his mate. "I said were licked, damn you, Starky! Now do
as I say!" Then he muttered something else, his words too low for Xena to hear.

Seeming reluctant, the mate nodded, then said loudly, "Orright, Capn,
but I still think yer makin a mistake turnin her over so quick."

"We have no choice. Just do what I said," the warlord growled and the mate
nodded. When he had left, Draco stared at the deck, shoulders slumped, the perfect
picture of defeat and dejection.

Xena watched him narrowly, then without turning her head, spoke quietly out
of the side of her mouth. "Mister Gabrielle?"

"Aye, Maam?" The redheaded ensigns voice was soft.

"This is too easy. Hes got something up his sleeve or Im a Bacchae."
The raven-haired captain drew on her cigar and continued to speak low, her lips
barely moving. "If I leave the bridge for some reason, youre in command.
Use yer best judgment, but protect my ship and crew."

The small woman swallowed. "Aye, aye, Maam."

Xena took out the cigar and raised her voice. "Come on, Draco. My crews have
itchy fingers!"

"Just hold on, damn you," he cursed. "Shes coming." There were noises
from behind him and he grinned. "In fact, here she comes now!"

Suddenly, a beautiful dark woman dressed in silken finery was thrust up to
stand on the railing of his ship and the Greek Warrior Captain felt her mouth
go dry and her heart began to hammer. Not because the woman was beautiful; she
had known that. It wasnt the disheveled clothing and wild hair either.
It wasnt even the coils of rope that bound her hands to her sides and
the gag in her mouth. What made the fury and fear begin to fill Xenas
mind was the hangmans noose around the queens neck, the rope of
which led up to the yardarm on the mainsail of Dracos ship.

"Steady on, I see it." Xena ground out. She forced her voice to calmness while
her mind raced. "All right, Draco. Whats this supposed to prove?"

"Nothing," he grinned disarmingly. "Im just testing a theory." Then his
expression became grim and his voice went guttural. "Lets see if youre
really as tough as you talk! You fire one shot with those Ballistas and Ill
hang her right here in front of you!"

She leaned nonchalantly on the railing, her voice bored. "So what does this
get you?"

"Nothing if Im wrong and you fire into us," he smirked. "In that case,
Helen hangs, we burn and you get squat. But I dont think thats gonna
happen cause I heard that once upon a time you two had a thing."

At the wheel, the red haired ensign made an almost inaudible noise, but said
nothing.

Xenas mind was full of ice as she gazed up at the queen and Helens
frightened eyes behind the gag were beseeching. The captain turned a burning
glare on Draco and he swallowed. "All right," she said softly. "What do you
think happens now?"

Draco laughed in relief. "I KNEW it! You WERE bluffing!" His voice became a
crow of victory. "Hoo-YAH! I beat out Xena, warrior captain!"

"Really? Im not sure Id say that." Xena was still calm. "If you
hang her well burn you! Looks like a stalemate to me."

"Oh, no. Not now!" His voice was euphoric. "Now IVE got the upper hand.
Were sailing out of here now nice as you please and I dont even
mind telling you where! Were going to the walled city of Mogador in North
Africa. Once there well sell Helen to the highest bidder." He grinned
triumphantly. "Hades! You can even come to the auction and bid on her! If you
can beat out Gurkhan and the other buyers, you might even get her back!"

"Oh, Ill get her back all right," Xena snarled. She snatched the chakram
from her hip and hurled it upwards in one motion. The weapon whined as it shot
up and Draco jumped back in panic, thinking he was the target. But he wasnt.
In an instant, the chakram had cut the noose about a foot above Helens
head and as the rope went slack the bound queen of Troy teetered on the ship
rail.

The flying weapon returned to her hand and Xena raised her voice to a shout.
"Helen! JUMP!"

Without hesitation the queen propelled herself off of the side of the ship
just as a cursing Draco leaped for her. She splashed into the water an instant
later and vanished beneath the surface.

"Take over, Mister!" Cigar clenched firmly in her teeth, Xena flipped off the
deck of PT-Evdomenda Tria into a dive and down under the water. She heard the
sizzle as the cigar was extinguished as she hit and then her ears were full
of bloomping underwater sound. In the clear azure ocean water, she saw the bound
figure of the queen struggling with her ropes as she slid down into the depths
surrounded by air bubbles.

In a few powerful strokes the captain was beside her. The chakram severed the
ropes effortlessly and they fell away. Then Xena and the queen headed for the
sunlit blue ceiling above them.

As they broke the surface, the captain was wary lest they be shot at from the
slave ship, but nothing happened. As she shook the water from her eyes she realized
she still had the soggy remains of the cigar clamped in her teeth and spat it
out with disgust. She saw the PT-Boat standing to beside the larger ship, smoking
Ballistas aimed at where Draco stood raging on the deck.

She heard a yell from seaman Dragonna. "I see em, Mister Gabrielle."

"Well, get em on board, sailor!" The ensign shouted back and Xena wondered
if she was the only one who heard the tightness in her second officers
expressive voice.

"Aye, aye, Maam. Come on, Capn! Swim this way!" A line came sailing
from the stern of the Poseidons Trident and gratefully, Xena and Helen
swam to it and allowed Dragonna to tow them in and haul them soaked and dripping
on board.

"Take the queen below and make her comfortable, sailor," Xena ordered Dragonna,
wiping water out of her eyes. "Im going to the bridge."

"Aye, aye, Capn."

As she came dripping onto the command deck, the ensign glanced at her and the
obvious apprehension in her green eyes vanished into a smile. Still she asked,
"You all right, Maam?"

"No, Maam," Gabrielle grinned back. "I wont attempt to repeat some
of the things he said after you hit the water, but Ill say they involved
your parentage, family lineage and a knowledge of your birth that he couldnt
possibly have had."

"I see he hasnt attempted anything rash "

"Oh, no, Maam," the ensign said contentedly. "He was going to have men
dive in after you, but I said if he did that or anything else I didnt
like the looks of, that I would start firing flaming Ballistas into his
hull until his ship was burned down to the water line."

"Good job, Mister Gabrielle." Xena said warmly.

"Thank you," the redhead blushed faintly at the praise.

Just then Dracos shouted voice came, trembling with anger. "All right,
damn you, Xena! You got what you wanted! Now were leaving!"

She turned and looked up as if just remembering that he was there. "I dont
think so. Can you swim, Draco?"

He sounded angry but puzzled. "Sure, why?"

"Thats good. I hope yer in good shape."

"What do you mean?"

"If I let you go with this ship, youll just start raiding again. I dont
think I like that." Her voice got guttural with rage. "Besides, you killed one
of my crew. A little girl who had her whole life ahead of her and yer gonna
pay."

His voice was apprehensive. "I didnt do it."

"No but it was your men that did it..." Xena lit a fresh cigar. " and
Im taking your ship."

"Like Hades you are!" His laughter was uneasily. "Ive got a crew three
times the size of yours!"

"I dont think thats gonna matter," she said, blowing smoke calmly
and he stopped laughing. Xena pointed to the north. "See that headland out there?
Its only a couple of miles. Best you get started swimming."

"Were NOT leaving this ship!" He roared.

"Oh, I think you are," Xena removed the cigar from her mouth. "Ballista Chiefs,
commence Rapid Fire!" she shouted to Milosa and Ephiny. The twin Ballistas
snapped as one, sending their flaming bolts into the bigger ship. When they
hit, the Greek Fire tips broke and splashed fiery destruction everywhere. Within
seconds another double round of flaming disaster was on its way and then another
and another.

At the first strike, Draco ran back from the rail, shouting orders. He and
the men tried desperately to fight the fires, but as fresh bolts kept coming
and the wooden sides and sails and rigging began to catch as well, it became
obvious that their efforts were for naught and his crew began to panic.

"Cease Fire " Xena called after the sixth double round of fire bolts had
struck the ship. It was now wreathed in tendrils of fire, which writhed and
crackled with an almost human chuckling.

The raging warlord reappeared at the fiery rail as his men began to dive overboard.
"DAMN YOU! Ill get EVEN for this! I dont know when or how, but Ill
see you in Tartarus, Xena!"

"Youd better get going, Draco!" She called. "Its only a few miles
to swim. If you save your breath, I feel a man like you could manage it!"

"You lousy Harpy!" Draco shouted desperately as the flames hissed around him.
He dove cleanly off the side of the ship, cut the water like a knife and surfaced
a moment later. Getting his bearings, he set out stroking strongly for the headland
Xena had pointed to and didnt look back. His men followed.

"That Draco," she said with a tinge of admiration. "Once hes decided
to do something, he puts everything else out of his mind. Thats what I
call focus."

"Does that go for what he said about getting even too?" Gabrielle asked softly.

"Oh, yeah," Xena said lightly. "Hell be looking for me. You can count
on it." She sighed, then glanced back at the fast burning slave ship where a
few more men were leaping off into the water and straightened her shoulders.
"Im gonna see to our guest. You have the bridge, Mister. Keep an eye on
those last men and be ready to pick up any who seem like they cant make
the swim and put em under guard. Were not murderers, after all."
She paused. "In a couple of minutes, move us off about 100 yards and then put
us at station keeping. We dont want to be pulled under by the suction
when she goes down."

"Aye, aye, Maam," the redhead replied. As the tall captain went below,
she didnt see the adoring look her junior officer gave her. "What a woman,"
she sighed as she turned back to watch the burning ship and the last few sailors
swimming away.

++++++++++++++++

Xena came down the companionway and found Autolycus, Dragonna and Mlila
tending to Helen in the Mess Hall. The dark amazon had wrapped the queen in
a blanket while the cook had brought her something hot to drink. The Healer
was taking her pulse and seemed to be a tad extra solicitous.

"Now you just try this chicken soup, maam," Autolycus said holding out
a steaming cup. "It should warm you right up."

The cook gave the impression of strutting a little. "Its the fresh butter,
tarragon and shallots, maam. Gives it that little extra taste sensation.
Oh, and I braise the chicken before I put it into the stock "

"Its fully as good as anything Ive had at a kings table. You could
be a gourmet cook!"

"COULD be?" The mustached cook sounded hurt. "I AM a gourmet cook. If they
gave titles for cooking, I would be Autolycus, CHIEF of Chefs "

Xena rolled her eyes, then cleared her throat.

"Oh, hi, Cap!" The cook said brightly. "You want a cup too?"

"No, not just now, thank you," she said.

"How about some nice warm honey baklava then? I just made it "

"Autolycus!" She lowered her brow and looked at him from beneath it. Then she
gave a quick nod of her head toward the galley.

His eyes widened. "OH! Guess I better go check on that rice pudding." He nodded
to Helen, "Maam. " He left hurriedly.

Xena caught Dragonnas eye too, and the amazon sailor nodded and left.
She turned to the Ships Healer. "How about it, Pills? Is she all right?"

Mlila pursed her lips. "Vernu ljubav, jos vernijeg druga."

"Ill take that as a yes," the captain sighed. "Thanks. You
can go."

Mlila tossed her head and sniffed. Then she looked at Helen and her expression
was teasing. "I dajte mene na devojke." She wet her lips. "Men devojke
bolje nose." She left.

Once they were alone, the captain sat down across from the queen. She drew
on her cigar but said nothing.

"Xena," Helen smiled warmly. "Its so good to see you again."

The tall captain was cool. "How have you been, your majesty?"

Helen gazed at her over the cup. "Ive been better," she said grimly.
"Melenaus, Paris, even Draco; they all wanted me for their own purposes. I used
to think I was loved. Nowadays I feel like a bargaining chip in a mens
pissing contest. Paris doesnt seem to love me any more and Melenaus never
did. Only one person ever treated me like I was a human being with feelings
and I let her get away. Now here you are, rescuing me from all that."
She gazed into Xenas eyes, then smiled radiantly and sat down the cup.
She glanced around the room, then whispered, "Im glad were alone.
Id like to thank my rescuer properly." She leaned forward as if
to kiss the captain.

The Greek pulled back out of range and the queen blinked. "No need for that.
Youre welcome."

Helens dark eyes had been sparkling, now she pouted. "Its been
a long time. Arent you even going to kiss me hello?"

"No," Xena said quietly. The queen of Troy stared at her as if in shock as
she continued. "So where should I take you I wonder?"

Helen was hurt and puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, since Draco isnt an option unless you want to be a slave, and
your Kingly husband apparently wants you dead, who else is there? Providing
hes still alive, should I take you back to Troy to look for yer boy-toy
Paris, or is there someone else I should know about?"

Helen looked as if shed been slapped. "Xena "

"Save it, Hel. Just give me a straight answer. Where do you want me to take
you?"

The face that was said to have launched a thousand ships fell. Then the queen
drew herself up. "I see you are still as inflexible and blunt as usual." She
sat down the cup. "I had hoped you might have changed a bit since we were last
together "

Xena sighed. "Look, Helen, lets not fight, okay? We were friends and
Im being a sorry excuse for one. I apologize for acting shirty."

The dark complected queen wiped at her eyes. "What happened to us, Xena? We
used to be so much in love." Her voice was small.

"Ive thought about that a lot over the years." The captain looked into
her ex-lovers eyes. "Helen, what we had just didnt work out. It wasnt
your fault or mine, we just didnt get along except in bed "

"At least we were good that way, werent we?" The queens eyes glistened.

"Yes, we were," Xena smiled. "Its just that we could never agree on anything
else in our lives together."

"Thats for certain," Helen chuckled with regret. "I loved opera, you
wanted comedy. I loved parties, you wanted to go hunting. I loved exotic dishes
and fine wines, while you could have lived on venison and ale every day "

Xena joined in. "Yeah, and you wanted to dress up and go out every night while
I was content to stay home with the dogs and polish my sword." She shook her
head ruefully. "We made a heck of a couple, didnt we? We were like a chariot
crash waiting to happen."

"Thats for certain," Helen chuckled. Her laugh was a tinkly sound that
that brought stirrings of old familiar feelings back into Xenas mind.
Their eyes met and Helen ceased laughing as they stared at one another. Then
without warning, they both leaned forward and found themselves kissing gently.
The kiss continued for a moment, but there was no passion behind it and finally
they pulled back as if by mutual agreement.

Helens lip trembled. "Im sorry. I just wondered if there was still
anything there," she whispered.

"There is, but I think we both know it wouldnt work out, Helen." Xena
sighed. "Honey, I love you as a friend and I wish you all the best. I hope you
finally find that special someone." Then she grinned ruefully. "Shit. I hope
we both do."

At that moment somewhere outside the hull, there was a rumbling gurgling noise
that sounded like the biggest drain in the world emptying out. Swirling, grumbling
and hissing noises followed and then came a muted groaning and cracking that
seemed to pass beneath the PT-Boats hull and continue downward. Helen listened
in awe. "Wh-What was all that?"

"Draco? Not a chance. He and his men are probably halfway to land as we speak."

"Oh." There was silence for a moment as Helen digested this. "So what
will you do with me, now?" the ex-queens murmur was soft.

Xena was thoughtful. "Is there anywhere safe for you to go? Do you have any
friends or relatives I could take you to?"

"My parents are dead I havent had any contact outside of Troy
for the last ten years. I used to have some friends in Thessaly. You remember
Tycos and Marina. They might take me in."

"Well, for the moment then, Id say Thessaly it is. If you think of someone
or someplace else, let me know." Xena looked to a movement at the door, and
saw Mlila standing there watching them. She stood up and waved the Healer
in. "Pills, give her something to help her rest."

The Healer nodded and entered. She spoke to Helen. "Dobro, deli devojko."

Helen smiled tenderly. "Thank you, Xena. For everything."

The Captain nodded. "You get some rest. I gotta see about getting this boat
moving and ironing out some wrinkles."

+++++++++

Xena came from below decks and onto the bridge and looked around. The Ballista
crews were lounging at their weapons. Autolycus was in the lookouts nest
watching the horizons. There was no sign of the slave ship; no smoke sullied
the clean sea air and no debris littered the water. It was as if the bigger
ship had never been there. Far in the distance she could make out the small
swimming figures making for the headland. "Everything ship shape here, Mister?"

"Yes, Maam. I set the crew at ease except for the lookout. Dracos
ship went down by the head a few minutes ago."

Xena nodded. "I heard."

The ensign sounded sober. "I dunno why but it was a kinda unsettling
sight. Not only that but it made all kinds of noises, almost like living people
in their death agonies." She swallowed. "I didnt know ships made so much
noise when they went under. I dont mind saying it made me queasy."

"Because it coulda been us," Xena said flatly. "The sea isnt really our
element, Mister Gabrielle. Its not like on land when a wagon were
riding breaks down. There we can get off and walk. Here its sink or swim.
" Her voice softened. "When we see another ship go down, it reminds us of how
nothing is sure on the sea except that we dont truly belong here and we
and our little boat could be next."

"Makes sense," the redhead said softly.

Just then Autolycus called down and pointed. "Ahoy the bridge. A small ship
coming toward us from the direction of Troy."

"What is she, Chef, a warship?"

Autolycus squinted in that direction. "No, Maam. Looks like a small Trireme,
Trojan make. Unarmed with one bank of oars on each side. Looks like plenty of
people on deck though."

Xena felt her breath quicken. "Soldiers?"

"No, Maam. I dont think so. I dont see any glints on armor
or weapons. Just looks like shes crowded."

"Orders, Maam?" The ensign asked, a hand on the speaking tube to the
Bubbler Room.

The tall captain rubbed her nose and came to a decision. "Lets look her
over, Mister. Tell the Chief to give us half speed." As Gabrielle began speaking
into the tube, Xena leaned over the bridge. "Ahoy the deck! Ballista crews man
your weapons and stand ready, but dont shoot unless I give the command."

"Aye, aye!" As the Ballista crews moved to obey, the PT-Boat came alive again
and began making way.

Xena turned to Gabrielle. "Ill be below for a minute, Mister. Get us
started toward them if Im not back."

"Aye, aye, Maam." The ensign sounded curious, but kept her peace.

Xena hesitated, then flushed slightly and spoke. "Im going to tell Helen
to stay below while were at this Trojan ship," she said. "No sense taking
the chance that anyone recognizes her. We may not want anyone to know shes
alive yet." Without waiting for an answer, she ducked below.

When she was out of sight, the redhead smiled after her tenderly. "By the gods,
she didnt have to tell me that. Maybe she does care," she whispered to
herself joyfully. Then she called down to the deck. "All set, Chiefs?"

Minutes later Xena reappeared as Gabrielle was pulling the PT-Boat up to the
other ship. They gazed in awe at the vessel. As Autolycus had said, there were
no soldiers, but the deck was crammed with men, women and even children, all
huddled together. Some carried a few bundles of belongings but most had nothing.
All looked to be in shock and misery. They were certainly not capable of fighting.

Xena and Gabrielle looked at each other for a moment in shock and pity, then
the captain called, "Ballista crews, stand down and secure mounts." She picked
up the speaking trumpet. "Lets see what theyve got to say, Mister."

Exchanging hails by speaking trumpet between the two vessels, Xena and her
crew got the whole story. The war was over. Troy had fallen. There had been
Greek soldiers hidden in the giant wooden horse statue. Once everyone in the
city was drunk with celebration, they had stolen out, rushed the few guards
at the gates and opened them. Outside awaited the hidden Greek army, who had
rushed in and began killing anyone who resisted and taking any who surrendered
for slaves. At their head was a king called Melenaus who had offered a reward
to anyone who could bring him Helen or Paris dead or alive.

So sudden was the unexpected attack, that only a few ships with refugees had
managed to flee the city before it was taken completely. Fewer yet had managed
to escape the Greek fleet, which was waiting to pounce. The land and sea effort
had been well coordinated and had to have been well thought out in advance.

Xena was grim. Apparently king Meleaus had never meant to follow through on
his secret agreement with Paris since he obviously had not been waiting on the
Isle of Lesbos for Helens delivery by the PT-Boat. Or perhaps this was
part of the deal he had made with Deiphobus. Xena wondered if Admiral Cecrops
had known about any of this or if he had been kept in the dark as well. Well,
whatever the plan had been, the war was over now and the Trojans were being
enslaved as they spoke. According to the people on the Trireme, the Greeks were
now sacking the city of all valuables and burning everything else they didnt
want to take. They boasted that when they were through, Troy would become an
unnamed wasteland and that the Trojans would never be known as a people again.

Even though they had fought the Trojans for years, everyone in her crew seemed
shocked at the news, everyone that is, except Xena. Secretly the captain of
Poseidons Trident-Evdomenda Tria knew that she would have done the same
thing years before if her army had managed to take Corinth and was ashamed.
It seemed so long ago now; long ago and far away. Despite herself, she knew
that the Warlord she had been would have thought nothing of such a thing, and
it saddened and sickened her to realize it.

What could she do to help make amends now? She ordered that half of the PT-Boats
stores of food and drinking water be transferred to the Trojan ship to help
relieve the hunger and thirst of the under-supplied and crowded humanity aboard.
Her crew worked with a will, seeming to feel a need to help their former enemies
as well. Many of the people had been hurt getting out of the city, so she sent
Mlila over with Theodorus in case she needed protecting, and the tiny
Healer was able to ease much suffering.

At last toward evening, they had done all they could and bid farewell to the
Trojan ship in the gathering twilight. As they watched its glowing lanterns
recede into the darkness, the ensign turned to Xena. "Well, what now, Captain?
Back to Lemnos base?"

Xena was pensive. "No. Not yet. I know what I want to do, but Im
not going to make that decision for everybody on my own this time."

"Then what, Maam?"

The captain of PT-Evdomenda Tria lit her cigar. "Call up the crew, Mister Gabrielle.
Every man and woman. This time everybody gets a vote."

++++++++

The PT-Boat bobbed gently on the dark ocean swells and the stars and moon shone
down cool and white on the boats deck lighting it almost like day. The
whole crew was present and came to attention as Xena stepped off the bridge
and faced them. "At ease, people," she said. As they relaxed, she looked around
at them. "Our mission was relatively simple, but you all know how things went
into the outhouse back in Troy. Now the city has fallen and we have Helen aboard.
Her Greek husband wants her dead so if we take her to him, at the least he will
sell her into slavery." She grimaced, "At the most he will kill her as a philandering
wife." She gazed at them. "Her Trojan lover prince Paris may be dead and in
any case the city has fallen, so I cant in good conscience take her back
there to be killed or sold as a slave." She fell silent to give them time to
think over her words.

The silence dragged on and no one spoke. Finally big Theodorus grunted. "Saow,
wot we gonner do, Marm?"

Xena spoke softly. "This should be a decision by all of us, because it will
affect all of us." She waited but again no one spoke and she went on. "In my
estimation, I think we should take Helen and drop her off somewhere far from
this area. Then, I think we should abandon ship, scuttle her and go on about
our lives as we did before the war "

A babble broke out as everyone started to speak at once but quieted down as
Xena raised her voice and continued. "If we never come back, then command will
eventually assume we went down with all hands, just like the first two PTs.
Thats why I say it should be a unanimous vote because well all have
to agree to keep quiet about what happened. If we dont all want
to do this, it cant work." Again she waited for comments.

Finally Autolycus voice sounded. "Well, for cryin out loud. I dont
know about the rest of you, but Id say lets go for it. Ive
got plans for the rest of my life! I want to eventually get a chance to parlay
my culinary talents for someone besides you lugs in the Navy after all!"

There were a few chuckles among the crew, then Ephiny spoke up. "Id say
it sounds good to all of us, Maam." She looked around. "We amazons would
eventually get to be a tribe again, right ladies?"

Chief Melosa stepped up. "Sounds good to me too, Maam." Then she sent
a sharp look at Ephiny. "But I want to know whos gonna be queen and how
do we settle it?"

"Like the old days, trail by combat " Velasca suggested before Ephiny
could answer and there was a touch of something clawed and hungry in her voice
as she finished, " to the death!"

Ephiny and Melosa looked at one another for a long moment, then the raven haired
amazon shook her head. "Weve lost a sister already because of this mission.
My only birth daughter. We cant afford to lose many more or we may not
have a tribe. I say we should vote on it just like were going to
on this trip."

Ephiny looked around again. "Id say we already have our queen," she said
softly. "Melosa has courage, honor and wisdom." She grinned feeling her stomach.
"And a spin-kick like an angry mule." As it was meant to, the joke broke the
tension and everyone laughed as the two formerly rival Ballista Chiefs
clasped forearms.

"All right," Xena said finally. "Any one else have anything to say?" No one
did and she called for a show of hands. "All who want to take this crazy trip,
raise your hand and keep it up. I wont vote because you all know what
I think." There was a faint shuffle as the people moved about, then silence
while she counted then frowned. "Thirteen? Theres only twelve of us voting "
Then she sighed. "Only one hand up if you please, Chief Joxer."

"Its for the missing vote, Maam," he said softly keeping both raised.
"For Terreis."

There was silence then as everyone looked around at one another for a long
moment, then Gabrielle spoke up. "So where are we headed, Maam?"

"At the moment, I plan to head for the Thessaly coast. Its pretty wild
in spots and we can all disappear pretty easily. If my plan changes, Ill
let you know." She turned to the Bubblermen. "Chief Joxer, you and Chief Theodorus
will have to get busy. I intend to Bubble night and day all the way and its
about a four-day trip at top speed, so youll have to stand shifts to keep
an eye on things down there. Pull anyone from the crew if you need help except
Chef Auto, Healer Mlila and Mister Gabrielle." She thought for a moment
then continued. "Chef, youll need to have something hot for the Bubblermen
at any hours to keep them awake. Pull any one you need to help as well. I also
want a lookout in the nest at all times, because I want to see any other ships
in time to sheer away. Mister Gabrielle will post a rotation list later tonight.
Right now, she and I are going to plot a course. All right, People, anyone not
needed for duty, catch some berth time. The rest of you, lets get at it."

+++++++

A bit later in her duty cabin, Xena stood up with a groan from the bent position
over the map she had been using to plot their course. Beside her with her head
on a bent arm, Gabrielle yawned and closed her eyes. The tall captain stretched,
then said, "I think thats the best we can do for now, Mister. At least
till we catch some landmarks when we pass by Lemnos. Then our next big jump
without any land will be to Thessaly."

With her eyes still closed, Gabrielle frowned. "How bad will that be?"

The captain grunted. "Dont buy trouble. Well worry about that when
we get there. For now, Ill relieve seaman Dragonna at the wheel. You get
some berth time. Ill wake you at dawn for your shift at the wheel."

"Not tonight, Maam. Just too damn tired. See you at dawn." She left the
captains duty cabin with a stagger that had nothing to do with nausea.

Xena was about to go on deck, when she belatedly realized that she had not
yet informed Helen of what they were going to do. "Hades. I promised her Id
tell her my decision." She grunted. "Shell want to know." Without thinking
of the lateness of the hour, she went down the passageway to the cabin where
the ex-queen was quartered.

The tall captain moved quietly through the boat, any noise she might have made
covered by the background sounds of rushing water against the hull and the Bubbler
below. When she reached Helens cabin, the door was open and the light
of a single lantern gleamed. She reached out to knock, then thought better of
it. If the queen was asleep, there was no sense in waking her. She stuck her
head in the door then stared open-mouthed.

On the berth, there was not one body but two sitting knee to knee together
on the edge. Helen was not alone. Ships Healer Mila sat there with
her. They were holding hands and looking into one anothers eyes and the soft
lantern light colored everything it shone on warm and golden. As Xena watched,
the small Healer reached a hand up to the taller womans head and ran it
caressingly through her hair for a moment before pulling her down into a deep
kiss.

Xena swallowed and pulled back silently. She stood there for a moment in the
darkened passage uncertain of what to do. Then she heard a soft moan and a murmur
from within the room followed by the silky sound of rustling clothing. She was
tip-toeing away in the dark when she heard the cabin door close quietly behind
her.

She grinned to herself as she went back to the bridge.

+++++++++

The trip across the Aegean from Troy was so easy and uneventful that it was
almost boring and when on the fourth day the shores of Thessaly appeared just
where they were supposed to, for some reason no one complained at all. Coming
toward the land, they could see a small village on the coast and turned away
from it to look for a more deserted spot further on. As Xena had promised, much
of the shore was wild and untamed and about 20 miles from the village they found
a small cove with a beach of golden sand that looked as if no one had set foot
upon it since the world had been created. Beyond the sand was a lush green forest
and there were blue mountains visible far beyond. They made landfall and unloaded
such supplies as they thought they needed, then prepared PT-Evdomenda Tria for
its final trip to sea.

As Xena prepared the wheel lashings that would keep the boat on one course
without a living hand at the wheel, she patted the coaming next to her. "Sorry
old girl," she murmured. "Youve done us great service in the past, but
none bigger than this. Your death is going to give a lot of people a brand new
life." She pursed her lips. "And besides, Im not certain you are a good
idea anyway. I find I missed the sounds of wind in the rigging and sails flapping
with the wind. The sound of popping bubbles just doesnt give a sea voyage
the same feel."

She looked back at the beach to where her crew was waiting with their baggage.
All except one. She took the speaking tube. "Chief, all ready below?"

Her voice was calm. "Yes, Chief. Its the captains prerogative to
be the last woman off her ship."

"Yeah, I know, but doggone it, you be careful when you light that Greek Fire.
That stuffs explosive ya know "

"I know that very well, Chief. Just you remember to close that deck
hatch after you come out of it! Now open the Bubbler vents to half speed and
get out of there, please."

"Aye, aye opening vents now." After a moment the sound of bubbles began
frothing at the stern and the PT-Boat began to move slowly forward and she kept
it moving along the shallow water next to the beach. A long minute went by and
she began to wonder if perhaps the man had broken his neck in his haste to get
topside. Moments later as she was saying uncomplimentary things about him under
her breath, he appeared on deck from the forward hatch and waved and she sighed
with relief. Then he sat down on the edge of the deck on the beach side and
moments later pushed himself off.

Looking back as the boat kept going, she saw him stand up and begin wading
toward the rest of the crew and Xena breathed a sigh of relief. Now it was her
turn. She pointed the nose of the moving boat out to sea and then straightened
it out. When it was moving straight away from the beach, she lashed the wheel
in that position. Then she got the lit lantern and left the bridge, moving to
the stern hatch of the boat. She bent over against the wind caused by the boats
passage through the air and opened the hatch. Down below the passageway was
already well smeared with Greek Fire, the pungent fumes of which she could smell
quite strongly blowing out at her and she wrinkled her nose.

She glanced back at the beach. Yipes! Better get this party going. Gonna be
a long swim and it was getting longer by the second as the boat moved. Just
as she tossed the lantern, a sudden thought of "The fumes are blowing OUT at
me? Thats not RIGHT!" struck her. Then she heard the lantern break below
and thought "Oh, SHI-!" as a rush of flames boiled out of the hatch and thirty
feet into the sky. Xenas nose was full of the smell of singed hair as
she was knocked backward into roiling blackness!

++++++++++++++++

Fade In to a dark cavern dimly lit by flames from somewhere. Three figures
stand looking at each other. One is Hades, the Lord of the Dead. He is dressed
in all black armor and dark slicked back hair. The other beside him, is a short
ugly troll named Charon who ferries souls across the river Styx to Tartarus.
The third is a tall woman with singed and frizzy dark hair and eyebrows who
seems unhappy to be there. Her name is Xena.

Hades speaks: "Name?"

Xena is looking about sullenly. She speaks: "Xena of Amphipolis."

Hades: Sounding bored: "Occupation?"

Xena, somewhat proudly: "Murdering Warlord turned Good Person."

Hades, showing a flicker of interest: "Oh, yes. Youre THAT Xena of Amphipolis!
Weve been expecting you for some time now. How did you come to die?"

Xena, rather flustered: "Well, um, I was on a ship when I tossed a lit lantern
into a passageway full of Greek Fire. That wouldnt have been too bad,
but unfortunately, I forgot that there was also an open hatch which connected
to the passageway at the bow and the, um, boat was moving. The draught caused
by the boats forward motion blowing through that forward hatch carried
the exploding Greek Fire right out the rear hatch and straight into my face
and blew me up!" Attempts a laugh. "Silly thing to happen, really."

Hades: Voice is chiding: "Xena, Xena, Xena. You are supposed to be a person
with many skills. You were on your way to redemption for your Evil Past. How
could you let such a silly accident kill you?"

Xena: Shuffles a foot against the ground in embarrassment: "Well, um, its
the fault of this kind of, well, Idiot, really." Sounds angry: "I TOLD him to
close that hatch when he came out but "

Hades: In a no nonsense tone: "Tsk, tsk. Xena, thats no excuse. You knew
Joxer was an Idiot. YOU even saw he hadnt closed that hatch, yet you threw
that lantern into the Greek Fire and blew yourself up."

Xena: Almost in tears: "But I was in a hurry! I was gonna have a long swim!
Any way, its HIS fault! I TRUSTED him to do what I said!"

Hades: Sternly: "When you trust an Idiot to follow directions, whos the
Idiot, you or them? Case closed. Charon! One customer for Tartarus! Special
delivery. And make sure she gets hung on the BIG spinning cross for Eternity
with a sign that says "Once Evil, always Stupid". She deserves it! Next case!"

Xena as she is whirled away into blackness: "Noooooo! Its not fairrrrrrrrr "

+++++++++++

Hands rolled her over and Xena gurgled and spat up water. "H-Hades?" she groaned.
She blinked the water out of her eyes and saw a beautiful face wet with tears
staring at her with horror. Behind it were many other faces including Helen
and Mlilas but she saw only one with any clarity. "Guh Gabri
elle?"

"Xena, oh, Xena!" The redhead moaned. "By the gods! When I saw you blown off
the back of the boat by the flames you scared the SHIT out of me!" Sobbing with
relief she pressed her face to the bigger womans cheek and wrapped surprisingly
strong arms around her.

The captain winced, feeling bruises and aches she had not remembered getting.
"H-Help me up, Mister." She muttered. The bard did so being aided by Helen and
Mlila as well.

She found she was on the beach in the surf and the crew surrounded her. She
looked out to sea. "Wheres the boat?" Then she saw it. The PT-Boat was
about a mile away and still going out to the azure sea. A rooster plume of red
fire and black smoke thirty feet high was shooting out of the area of the rear
hatch and the deck was now wreathed in flames as well.

"Damn, I didnt expect this," she groaned. "If that fire on deck keeps
up, the lashings on the wheel will burn away freeing the rudder and she could
go anywhere!"

Chief Joxer was puzzled too. "I cant figure out why the fire spread so
fast. We thought it would stay in the passageway long enough to burn out her
bottom and send her down." He found Xena glaring at him. "What?" His gaze was
clueless.

At his empty-headed stare Xena shook her head. "Oh, never mind." She said tiredly.
Whats the use, she thought. Like Hades said, we know who the REAL Idiot
in this scenario was.

"M-Maybe the fire wont reach the bridge " Gabrielle said hopefully.
No sooner had she spoken when the unmanned PT-Boat changed course in a wide
turn and was suddenly charging back at the beach almost directly at them like
a bolt of fire from the gods!

"Everybody scatter!" Xena shouted. "If the rocks in the Bubbler get uncovered
by the shock when she hits, shell go up like Mount Etna!!"

Everyone ran for their lives as the flaming boat charged through the water
toward the beach. The control wheels in the Bubbler Room must have been affected
by the fire as well, for she was traveling at better than Flank Speed when she
hit the beach, bounced and became airborne! She flew through the air for another
fifty feet, then hit and skidded forward plowing geysers of sand from either
side. She finally rocked to a stop and sat there halfway up the beach. burning
like a bonfire, sending plumes of black smoke into the blue sky.

Xena and the others had stopped running and now watched in awe as the completely
landlocked ship sat and burned. The captain turned to her second officer. "Well,
that was a bit "

Whatever she had been about to say would never be known as they were all knocked
off their feet by an explosion like a volcanic eruption that blew the PT-Boat
into oblivion. When the whining fragments had passed by, there was still a rain
of dirty debris that fell from the sky for another three minutes. When that
ended, of the boat known as Poseidons Trident-Evdomenda Tria nothing remained
except a thirty foot deep and eighty foot wide crater-like hole in the sand
and a fast dissipating cloud of black smoke.

+++++++++++++

Late that afternoon, Xena came up to Helen and Mlila standing there together
with the small surf lapping at their feet up the golden sand. The couple looked
as happy as she had ever seen anyone look. She cleared her throat and they looked
up. She spoke to Helen. "So I guess you are still planning to go back to Gaul
with Pills?" Mlila gazed up at the ex-queen who nodded in the affirmative.

Tentatively Xena said, "Are you sure this is what you want to do? You could
come to Amphipolis. Its just over that way in Thrace. Im sure my
mother would take you in. Zeus knows, Gaul is a long way to travel from here."

"Yes," the ex-queen nodded soberly. "I think thats all to the good. No
one would ever think to look for the lost Helen of Troy in Gaul."

"Yer probably right there," the captain said. She glanced at Mlila and
smiled. "Looks as though you might have found that special someone too."

The two women looked into one anothers eyes for a long moment, then Helen lowered
her face and the two kissed gently. Afterward, Helen smiled at Xena with shining
eyes. She put her arm around Mlila. "Youre right about that." Her
voice was sincere. "I hope you do too."

"Doubtful," smiled the warrior captain, "But thanks for the best wishes." She
looked at the small Healer clinging to the ex-queen. "Pills, take care of her.
Shes quite a woman."

Mlila smiled. "Zeenja, you SAID it!"

The Greek captain dropped her cigar into the sand. "What did you just say?"
She demanded in a strangled voice.

The dusky woman smiled as she looked at the red haired ensign standing nearby.
"Dal devojko dara rasturilo?" She winked at Xena and flipped her head
at Gabrielle. "Sto zelite, vi to uzmute, deli Zeenja."

Then she took Helen by the hand and tugged as she sang gently to her. "Dodje,
mile u nas kraj, Pa da vidis sta je raj." The bigger woman got tears in her
eyes for a moment then the two began walking away arm-in-arm.

The ex-queen smiled radiantly over her shoulder at the gaping captain before
shrugging at her with a goofy grin full of love. "Good bye, Xena and
good luck."

Xena shook her head as she stared after the departing women. "Well, Ill
be damned I always KNEW you spoke Greek, you little minx." Chuckling,
she picked up her cigar and blew the sand off of it.

++++++++++++++

Ex-Chief Bubblerman Joxer was poking morosely around on the beach. He was now
unemployed and had no idea what to do or where to go since his naval job was
kaput. Go back home and into the warlord trade with mom and dad? He sighed.
That was what hed left home to avoid. He had been happier in the Navy
working with the Bubbler than anywhere else he could remember; hed even
seemed good at it. Now he didnt even have that. True he had voted to do
this with the rest of the crew and it had felt right, but now what was he going
to do?

His attention was drawn by something moving in a tide pool. He went to look,
thinking perhaps there was a crab or something he could take to the cook for
dinner. As he looked into the pool his eyes got wide; then he smiled. "Well,
hello there," he said playfully. "Howd you like to come home with me?"
He looked around and spotted Autolycus up the beach sitting with the pile of
equipment he had taken from the PT-Boat before. "Hey, Auto," he shouted. "You
remember that money makin idea you were tellin me about?" As the
cook looked up, the Bubblerman grinned. "Bring Theodorus and that big galley
pot you salvaged, will ya? I got a proposition for ya!"

+++++++

Melosa and the other amazons all clasped forearms with Xena and Gabrielle.
"Were on our way up into the wilds of Thrace. Should be room there for
us to make a new start. One tribe from two."

"Just a little something to help the tribe get a good start. Therell
be things to buy at first when you are setting up. Tools, weapons, food. Use
it for whatever you need."

Melosa was shocked. "Xena. This is your prize money for the Trojan supply ship!
We cant take this!"

"I have no need real of it." Xenas face was unreadable. "It ... doesnt
begin to pay for it, but I wish youd take it as part of an old debt
a debt Ive owed to the amazons for a very long time." She said no
more and Melosa gazed at her.

"All right," she said at last. "For your debt, if you wish. I prefer
to think of it as in remembrance of Terreis."

"Thats as good a reason as any," smiled the warrior captain.

The new queen of the tiny amazon tribe of seven nodded. "Well be all
right, I think. Even though we were from two different tribes, were all
sisters under the skin." She gazed at her fellow tribemates. "We all have the
same wants, goals and needs, right sisters?" She smiled when a chorus of agreement
came from them.

Xena glancing at the group remembered the hunger for blood in Velascas
voice when the talk had turned to combat to the death for choosing their queen
and wasnt so certain that everything was so rosy, but she said nothing.
Who knew what the future would hold for this small band? They would deal with
life and with death as they came to them. She put a hand on Melosas shoulder
and smiled. "May Artemis and Athena grant you favor in your endeavors." They
clasped arms again and then the small group of women turned and headed for the
tree line.

Now Joxer, Theodorus and Autolycus approached. The cook and the Chief Bubblerman
were talking animatedly and Theodorus was carrying a large galley pot full of
water. It contained a good-sized chunk of Bubbler rock that was living up to
its name. The hulking man sat it down carefully in the sand as the pot steamed
and bubbled.

"Chief. Chef. Chief." Xena nodded. "Everyone else seems to have a plan." She
nodded at the bubble popping pot. "What are you three doing with that thing?
Souvenir?"

The chef stroked his mustache. "We have formed a partnership. I want to run
a high-class restaurant. Joxer has some ideas about using the Bubbler rock as
a never-ending heat source for cooking. And we figured that Theodorus could
bounce any of our patrons that caused trouble."

Theodorus grinned for the first time and flexed a muscle. "Bounce em!
Oy!"

Joxer nodded vigorously, a vacuous grin on his face. "Yeah, this little baby
musta been blown clear of the boat when she blew. I found it in a tide pool.
Think how much money were gonna save on firewood and charcoal, heh, heh!
It all goes into the profits."

The ex-Chef glanced at him and rolled his eyes. "So anyway, were all
going to Thebes and use our prize money to set up a combination restaurant-catering
service. Im gonna call myself, Autolycus, King of the Chefs of Thebes.
Pretty snappy title, eh?" His chuckle was pleased.

Gabrielle sucked her lip. Xena said nothing.

The cook frowned. "What?"

The redhead cleared her throat. "Well, not that I hate it, but, um, it doesnt
really grab me. Isnt it a trifle cumbersome?"

"Mmm." Autolycus looked doubtfully at the big man then shrugged. "Well, to
tell you the truth, I didnt think it was that great either, but I was
hoping I was wrong." He scratched his head. "Any other ideas?"

Xena lit her cigar. "How about King Chef of Thebes?"

Autolycus grunted. "Ehhh, actually, that sounds kinda clunky too. Maybe I can
shorten it up some more."

Joxer chimed in. "Oh, hey! I got it! How about you call yourself The
King of Thebes?"

Autolycus gazed at him, "And what will you be? The Bubbling Baron?" He laughed.
"Bubbling Baron! I slay myself."

Gabrielle spoke, "You know, I suppose the real King of Thebes might not be
too happy if you usurp his title."

Autolycus frowned. "Youre probably right. Well, I guess Ill think
of something. I always do." He bent over Xenas hand and touched his mustache
to it then straightened up. "Captain, its been a pleasure." He stroked
his chin and turned to Gabrielle bowing his head slightly. "Ensign, you take
charge of her now. I think shes gonna need looking after by someone who
cares for her." He grinned as the redheads cheeks flamed.

"That goes for me too, Captain," Joxer simpered. "But no matter how far apart
we get, you dont have to call me Baron. Ill always remember
us as the best of sailor chums."

The raven haired woman said straight-faced, "Joxer, for my part, Ill
always remember you as a BM."

"Aw, gee. Thanks, Captain." He said as he beamed with delight and ducked his
head. As he did, Gabrielle broke into a sudden strangled fit of coughing and
he looked at her anxiously. "Is she all right?"

Xena was deadpan. "Shell be fine. I think she just swallowed a bug."
At this, Autolycus turned red and began wheezing as well and the redhead began
coughing harder than ever and tears ran down her face as she alternately whooped
and gasped for breath. The captain kindly pounded her on the back. Next to the
chef, big Theodorus appeared puzzled by all the wheezing and coughing.

Alarmed, Joxer clapped a hand over his own mouth as he looked around frantically.
"Damn! Must be a lotta bugs on this beach. Hope I dont swallow one too."
His voice was muffled through his fingers.

The captain smiled. "I think theyve all flown by, but ya better get going
before the next flock comes past."

Still sniggering, Autolycus shook his head wryly. "Come on, your BM-ness, its
a long walk to Thebes." Taking Joxers arm, he began to lead him off. "Gbye,
ladies. Dont take any wooden dinars."

Theodorus said nothing, but nodded to the women as he lifted the bubbling pot
and carried it carefully down the beach following his new partners.

Gabrielles coughing fit finally lessened into faint hiccups and she straightened
up as they moved away.

"Feeling better?" The tall woman smiled as she patted her on the shoulder.

"Yeah, no thanks to you and that BM stuff!" The redhead sniggered between hiccups.
"And he didnt even get it! I thought I was gonna pass out from lack of
air there for a minute."

"Yeah, those bugs can be nasty," Xena said reflectively as she drew on her
cigar.

"Stoppit, doggone you!" Gabrielle giggled, punching her in the arm as she began
to hiccup again. Suddenly she looked sober and came to attention. "S-Sorry,
Maam. If the Captain wishes to reprimand me for striking a superior officer "
but stopped as the dark woman held up a hand.

"Its not Maam or Captain anymore, Gabrielle," she said softly,
" and youre not an ensign either. That all ended when we set fire
to the PT-Boat. Just call me Xena."

"All right Xena." The bard smiled. "I just wanted to ask, where are
we going now?"

"We?" Xena drew on her cigar, then sighed and smoke rolled out with it. "Gabrielle,
yer a good kid and I like you. Yer loyal, quick thinking and on the ball
and you oughta get as far away from me as possible."

The young ex-ensign looked hurt and the ex-captain sighed again. "Look, before
I met you I wasnt exactly a good person. I started out trying to do good,
then I got I dunno, turned around somehow." A shadow passed over her
face as she gazed at the glowing cigar tip. "Thanks to a good friend named Hercules,
Ive left all that behind me now. But the result is Ive got enemies
all over the place. And now Draco will be looking for me and the Greek High
Command could realize what I pulled and be after me too." She shook her head
wryly. "Hades, for all I know, even Helens husband king Melianus, or Paris
himself might be on my trail for not bringing her back. Looks like there could
be trouble ahead. Why would you wanna go into that with me?"

There was a hint of a smile in Gabrielles voice. "Because thats
what friends do."

The tall woman took the cigar from her mouth. "Are we friends?" Her
voice held a faint quaver.

"Oh, I think so." The redhead murmured fervently. "As a matter of fact, I think
we are going to be more than that, you and I " Her tone became sultry as
she continued, " much more."

Xena felt as if a million butterflies were all fluttering around in her stomach
and her chest seemed to fill with feelings that she had denied herself for what
seemed like forever. Quivering, she took Gabrielles hand and pulled the
smaller woman into an embrace and the evening sun covered them both in warm
golden light. She stared as if entranced into the green eyes looking calmly
back up at her and swallowed. She wet her lips. "Guh-Gabrielle? C-Can I ?"

"Yes, please." The redheads whisper was a paean of longing. Trembling,
Xena brought her face down and their lips met softly. Her tongue sought the
warm wetness of Gabrielles mouth, which opened for a long passionate kiss
that caused them both to shiver. Finally the younger woman laid her head against
the muscled shoulder. "That was very nice," she sighed against Xenas throat.

"Gods, yes." Dazedly, Xena sucked on the cigar and blew smoke as she rested
her chin on top of the red hair. "Do you think we can try it again?"

"I wouldnt be surprised," the bard said teasingly. She paused, then looked
up and said, "Just one thing "

"What?"

"Lose the cigar please?" The bards voice became pleading. "When
we kiss, I wanna taste YOU, not that darned thing."

Xena removed the cigar from her mouth and looked at it as if shed never
seen it before. "This?" She tossed it into the foaming tide where it spluttered
out and was carried away with a rush of the waves. She smiled at the sometimes
irritating redhead. "All right friend."

They kissed again for a long moment, then Xena took Gabrielles arm. "Lets
go. Theres a village up along toward those cliffs about twenty miles."

"But we were just getting started," whispered the small redhead, leaning on
her shoulder as she allowed herself to be pulled along. "I dont need a
bed to be with you. Whats wrong with here?"

"Nothing at all if you dont mind sand in yer unmentionables," Xena grinned.
"But Im not looking for a bed."

"Why do we need the village then?"

The ex-captain of Poseidons Trident-Evdomenda Tria smiled at her new
love. "Because I also find that I dont care for the taste of cigars when
Im tasting YOU. Well continue this once I find a toothbrush and
some mouthwash." Arm-in-arm, the two women began walking alongside of the blue
rolling waves toward the golden sunset as they headed into their new life of
love and adventure together.

++++++++++

"That was a great story, Gramma Brielle," the child spoke as the bards
compelling voice finally ceased and she took a drink of tea.

"Thank, you, Cally." The small blond answered, a smile tingeing her tone. "Of
course youre a good listener too. You laugh or gasp or cheer at the right
spots. Thats always a plus when a bard tells a tale."

Behind them, the middle-aged woman was about to arise and approach the small
blond and the child, when with no warning at all, she felt a hand clamped over
her mouth and her arm twisted behind her in a grip of iron. At the same time,
a tiny voice whispered through lips pressed against her ear, "Uh, uh! I gotcha!
Dont move. With this hold I could break yer arm."

Without moving, she rolled her eyes to the right and saw a blue gaze as penetrating
as her own. The face was framed by raven black hair shot with a few threads
of silver, and was wearing a self-satisfied smirk.

Before she could say or do anything, without looking around, the child spoke
loudly. "Mom! Gramma! We know yer there. Ya might as well come out from behind
those roses!"

"Thats tellin em, Cally." The small blond said in a wry voice.
She turned around in her seat, holding a pitcher and a glass. "Come on, Xena,
cut out the macho stuff with yer daughter and come join us for some cool tea
in the shade. Weve known you two were hangin around back there since
Cally asked me to tell a new story."

The two women looked at each other wide-eyed, and then Xena rolled her eyes
and sighed. "Come on, Evie," she muttered. "Looks like Miss Smarty-Bard
and yer daughter are onto us." She stood up and pulled the younger woman to
her feet.

The two embraced with affection, then the shorter woman winced and frowned
as she felt her wrist. "Darn it, Mom! That arm-lock hurt. If Id jerked,
I coulda pulled a muscle!"

"Aw, come on, Eve," Xena said, her tone chiding. "You know combat and yer too
smart for that to happen. I knew you wouldnt move once I had you in the
lock."

"Yeah, well, you took me by surprise." Eve grumbled. "If Ida been ready,
you wouldnt have found it so easy "

Xena snorted. "Huh! A real warrior is always ready for a surprise attack. Admit
it. I caught ya with yer panties down!" She grinned. "Being th big priestess
of Eli all these years has slowed you down a tad."

Eve narrowed her eyes in pretended irritation. "Maybe youd like a second
match when Im not surprised, just to see how much Im slowing down "

"Nah, I wouldnt try to kick your poor ol behind," Eve grinned as
Gabrielle and Cally approached. "But Id want a strict promise from you
that any eyes gouged out would be handed back after the fight."

"Eew, mom!" Cally said distastefully.

The bard rolled her eyes. "Warriors " she sighed as she embraced her lover
and her daughter and granddaughter all at once. "What am I gonna do with you
two over-aged kids?"

"Well, I dunno about these two, but I know what I hope you an me will be doin
later," Xena winked at the bard.

"Eeewww, Gramma!!" Cally squealed. "That is SO gross! You and Gramma Brielle
must be at least forty! Even mom and dad never do that!"

"Callyyyy " It was her mother who now blushed furiously.

"Hooo, brother. Has someone got a lot to learn," Xena muttered with a leer.

"Xena, stoppit! Yer just trying to stir things up." Gabrielle said firmly,
turning to Eve. "So, do you two wanna stay for dinner?"

Eve gazed at her golden haired daughter. "What do you think, Callisto? Dinner
with yer Grammas, then home to bed? You do have school in the morning."

Cally pursed her lips. "I really oughta get started studying, mom. Tomorrow
in class the teacher wants us to scribe an essay parchment on what weve
learned about the Trojan War so far. I want to get the facts straight now that
Gramma Brielle told me all that Top Secret stuff about the Hercules Bubbler
and Poseidons Trident Evdomenda Tria and the real story of how Helen escaped
the fall of Troy." She looked enthusiastic. "Holy Eli! With all these great
new facts, I oughta get an Alpha Plus on this assignment!"

Xena and Eve both looked hard at Gabrielle and the bard colored slightly. "Oops,"
she muttered, her expression chastened.

"Ahem," Eve cleared her throat, raising an eyebrow at her blond mother. "Cally,
get your night stuff and scrolls together."

"Okay, mom." Noticing nothing, Cally ran upstairs to get her things.

"And dont forget your dirty socks," Eve called after her as she turned
to Xena and hugged her tight. She grunted at the return squeeze, then felt the
older womans biceps. "Hmm. How about a few conditions on our up-coming
tussle?"

Eve turned to the chagrined bard with hands on her hips. "And thanks for looking
after Callisto the last couple of days, Mama Brielle ... I think."
Her voice was severe but there was a twinkle in her eye.

Gabrielle was uncomfortable. "Evie, Im sorry I didnt know
Cally was studying the Trojan War when I made up that story "

"Oh, poo, Mama. I know that, Im just teasing. Come here." The younger
woman hugged her bard mother affectionately and whispered, "I love you, and
like Cally said, it was a GREAT story. I really enjoyed it myself."

Her bard mothers eyes shone with happy tears as she held her daughter.
"Oh, Eve. I love you too."

Cally came romping downstairs with her things in a bag. She pushed back her
blond hair and hugged both of her grandmothers. "You two are the best! Nobody
else I know has Grammas like you two! Thanks for letting me stay over
and thanks especially for the story! I like it even better than the one where
Gramma Zee finally comes back from the dead!" She ran to the door and opened
it. "Come on, Ma! I wanna get started on my notes for this essay!"

"Coming!" The middle-aged woman smiled at her mothers. "Ill see you both
later, Moms."

When their daughter and grandaughter had left, Xena and Gabrielle went out
to the garden to gather up the tea pitcher and glasses. As they reached the
table, the warrior turned to her lover. "Well, that was great, Gramma Gabrielle.
Now our Grand-daughters gonna blow her history essay because of your tall
tale about bubbling rocks and Helen of Troy running away to Gaul..."

"Well, she wanted something new " Gabrielle shook her head glumly. "Its
that darned fiction stuff thats why I prefer just writing down
the facts and telling them, like in my stories about you; one hundred percent
truth. With fiction, its just too easy to get carried away and embellish
things "

Blue eyes twinkling, Xena raised an eyebrow. "You mean all that stuff about
me running on bad guys chests, flipping off of horses and flying up into
tall trees with a single bound is not embellishment?"

"Thats just artistic license," the bard said firmly. "The stories are
based on the truth of things you did, not fiction."

Xena smirked. "Like maybe from now on Callyll know better than to listen
to every old bone that rattles!"

"So now Im an old BONE?" Gabrielle squawked, aiming a punch at her lovers
midriff.

"Hardly," murmured her partner, lithely dodging the fist and sliding her arms
around the firm body and nuzzling her face into the blonds hair. She ran
her hands over the bards muscular back and buttocks though her clothing.
"Something this soft and smooth and warm certainly cant be a bone."

Their bodies molded together and they kissed for a long moment with their tongues
dancing together. Afterward Gabrielle sighed as she snuggled into Xenas
chest. "I think Im in love with you," she whispered.

"Mmmmm, right back atcha." Xena kissed Gabrielles ear, then gazed into
the green eyes that were sparkling up at her and whispered. "Wanna skip dinner
in favor of a little LATER right NOW?"

What the bard said then caused the warrior to shiver as if she were cold. A
moment later she had swept the smaller woman into her arms, carried her inside
the house and kicked the door shut behind them.